Notes on the State of Virginia

“The new standard edition of Jefferson’s Notes. Forbes’s careful reproduction of textual alterations provides a unique window into the meticulous composition of Notes and thereby into the mind of its author.”—Philipp Ziesche, Papers of Benjamin Franklin at Yale University

“Forbes provides excellent context for Jefferson’s writing of the Notes, exploring in depth the most controversial passages concerning race and slavery. This, along with careful editing of the text, allows scholars to appreciate and engage with the Notes in new ways.”—Frank Cogliano, University of Edinburgh

“A tour de force. To paraphrase Chief Justice John Marshall’s description of the Constitution in McCulloch v. Maryland, ‘This [book is]. . . intended to endure for ages to come.’”—Paul Finkelman, Gratz College

“Comprehensive, exhaustive, astounding in its depth and understanding of the man and his times, this annotated edition is essential reading for anyone interested in Jefferson and his Notes.”—Lucian K. Truscott IV, journalist and Jefferson descendant