In this provocative book Matthews argues that Jefferson was America's first and foremost advocate of permanent revolution, a democratic communitarian, and an anti-market theorist. "One of the most provocative studies of Jefferson of the last thirty years. This book effectively challenges the received wisdom of Jefferson's politics--and more generally on the origins of American democracy--in refreshing and wholly original ways."--Sean Wilentz, author of Chants Democratic "This brilliant book makes a signal contribution to the literature."--Journal of American History "Elegant and compelling. . . . On the leadng edge of the field."--John M. Murrin, coauthor of Colonial America "A fresh, intelligent, engaging reinterpretation of Jeffersonian politics . . . significant for anyone interested in Jefferson's thought."--Journal of Politics "Should be compared with Daniel Boorstin's The Lost World of Thomas Jefferson as a contemporary classic."--Perspective: Reviews of New Books