Thomas Jefferson at Monticello: Architecture, Landscape, Collections, Books, Food, Wine

This visually stunning volume explores Monticello, both house and plantation, with texts that present a current assessment of Jefferson’s cultural contributions to his noteworthy home and the fledgling country.

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), third president of the United States, designed his Virginia residence with innovations that were progressive, even unprecedented, in the new world. Six acclaimed arts and cultural luminaries pay homage to Jefferson, citing his work at Monticello as testament to his genius in art, culture, and science, from his adaptation of Palladian architecture, his sweeping vision for landscape design, his experimental gardens, and his passion for French wine and cuisine to his eclectic mix of European and American art and artifacts and the creation of the country’s seminal library. Each writer considers the important role, and the painful reality, of Jefferson’s enslaved workforce, which made his lifestyle and plantation possible. This book, illustrated with superb photography by Miguel Flores-Vianna, is a necessary addition to the libraries of those who love historical architecture and landscape design, art and cultural history, and the lives of prominent Americans.

Leslie Greene Bowman is president of Monticello and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation. Charlotte Moss is a designer and author. Miguel Flores-Vianna is an interiors photographer. Annette Gordon-Reed is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian. Carla Hayden is the 14th Librarian of Congress. Jay McInerney is a novelist and wine columnist. Jon Meacham is a Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian. Xavier Salomon is the deputy director/chief curator at The Frick Collection (NYC). Gil Schafer is an award-winning architect. Alice Waters is a chef, activist, and author. Thomas Woltz is an award-winning landscape architect.