Coloradolib on Christopher Hitchens on Thomas Jefferson

I recently finished Christopher Hitchens' biography of Thomas Jefferson. I'd intended to write a lengthy review. But the book doesn't merit it.

Hitchens' Jefferson is an inconsistent and private man who approached greatness only when flouting the Constitution and Congress. The book harps on our third President's fondness for the French and his conflicting views on slavery. But Hitchens celebrates Jefferson's stunning writings, his action against the Barbary pirates, and the Louisiana Purchase.

There's certainly room for this interpretation of our third President. But Hitchens' writing itself is disappointing. The whole thing reads like notes for a much better biography. In fact, it's all so off-hand, it's almost like Hitchens blogged it.

(Another take: blogcritics)