How a Jewish navy veteran and his descendants saved one of America's most recognizable architectural landmarks
Reviews:
Hang on for a wild ride through history with colorful characters that even Jefferson’s imagination couldn’t have foreseen. In this excellent account of Monticello’s ownership after Thomas Jefferson’s death, Leepson... turns the spotlight on a family that contributed to the preservation of history.... With fascinating detail, Leepson uncovers the facts surrounding Monticello’s owners and preservation. This book provides useful and welcome evidence of the Levys’ role [in saving Monticello]. Leepson is a diligent, thorough researcher.... [A] good book. Leepson... has opened the curtain on a little-known portion of American history, and Saving Monticello is a welcome treat... a fascinating book. In its own way, the story of the Levys at Monticello is as compelling as the story of Jefferson at Monticello. It’s not simply a story of how a remarkable family saved a special place, it’s a very human story—indeed, a very American story—wonderfully told. I highly recommend it.
Marc Leepson is the author of nine books, including biographies of the Marquis de Lafayette and Francis Scott Key. His work has appeared in many newspapers and magazines, and he is a contributor to the Encyclopedia Britannica.
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