Jefferson's Godfather, the Man Behind the Man: George Wythe, Mentor to the Founding Fathers

 

Authored by Suzanne Harmon Munson

 

List Price: $19.95

6" x 9" (15.24 x 22.86 cm) 

Black & White on White paper

514 pages

ISBN-13: 978-1979649858 

ISBN-10: 1979649855 

 

BISAC: Biography & Autobiography / Educators

 

It is not widely known that the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, was profoundly influenced by his teacher and mentor, George Wythe. This important book seeks to change that by bringing to light Wythe’s profound influence on the thinking of his star pupil, Thomas Jefferson, as well as Wythe’s role as a master teacher of several our nation’s early leaders.  

 

After reading an account of George Wythe’s unusual death—he was poisoned by a deranged nephew looking for an early inheritance—Suzanne Munson became fascinated by Wythe’s life, and wondered why Americans today know so little about this outstanding Founding Father and signer of the Declaration of Independence. She grew interested especially in Wythe’s influence over Thomas Jefferson, whom Wythe regarded as a son. Her biography details for the first time Wythe’s thinking behind the achievements that Jefferson listed as his most important lifetime accomplishments, making this book a must-read for every student of American history. 

 

Prior to devoting full time to writing, Munson served in executive communications positions with various corporate and nonprofit organizations. With family dating to the Jamestown settlement, she has always had a love of Virginia history and an interest in the influence of Virginia leaders on the early success of America’s democratic republic.