Thomas Jefferson advocated a society based on talent and virtue. His belief in the inherent goodness of humankind coupled with his faith in science made him the consummate gentleman-statesman. There was also an ethnocentric side to Jefferson. His agrarian bias led him to combat northern interests that encouraged the expansion of industry, and his legacy lends itself to continual reinterpretation. More than 180 entries in this text cover the significant events, people, philosophies, and legislation associated with Jefferson. Each entry describes and defines the topic and places it in historical context.