Book description
In this original and illuminating book, Denise A. Spellberg reveals a little-known but crucial dimension of the story of American religious freedom—a drama in which Islam played a surprising role. In 1765, eleven years before composing the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson bought a Qur'an. This marked only the beginning…
Why read it?
1 author picked Thomas Jefferson's Qur'an as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
There is useful biographical material here on Thomas Jefferson, but the subject is more properly the English translation of the Qur’an that Jefferson acquired as a law student in 1765. That copy is now housed in the Library of Congress, and around it, Denise Spellberg weaves a fascinating story of its figurative role in Jefferson’s thinking as a Revolutionary and as president.
Both John Adams and Jefferson dealt with significant foreign policy engagements with Muslim states. In addition to those geopolitical concerns, Jefferson’s Qur’an also speaks to essential questions on the place of Christianity in America’s founding documents and policies.…
From Ryan's list on offbeat biographies of American founders.
If you love Thomas Jefferson's Qur'an...
Aggressor
It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.
The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…
Want books like Thomas Jefferson's Qur'an?
Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Thomas Jefferson's Qur'an.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,395
readers submitted
so far, will you?
📚 If you like Thomas Jefferson's Qur'an, you might also like...
Ramón Ramirez's Dog
Ramon Ramirez’s Dog is a collection of essays written over the years about the adventures and misadventures, mostly outside but occasionally inside the diplomatic career of a U.S. ambassador. Common threads weaving the stories together are a desire for a life well-lived, balancing career with family and friends, keeping physically…
I, Robot Alien
“Intelligent, unique, and tremendously entertaining.” - Readers' Favorite 2025
BOOKLIFE EDITOR’S PICK!
EARTH… CENTURIES AFTER THE FALL!
I was created by beings who couldn’t touch this world... only watch it crumble. Every twenty years, a new tribe... a new hope... a new failure.
I was told, “Do not interfere.” But…
