Citing his book as a critique of modern politics, Burstein challenges those who would find comfort and certainty in reconstituting Jefferson. The author takes the reader on a trip through “impersonations” of the historical Jefferson over the decades since his demise manufactured by both political parties, who find him a resource for asserting a national existential consciousness. Seven chapters are divided into two parts: political setting; culture wars. Chapters are: “Eternal hostility against every form of tyranny”; “his mind liberal and accommodating”: when John F. Kennedy dined in company; “we confide in our own strength”: the Reagan revolution(ary); “the boisterous ocean of political passions”: Jefferson since William Jefferson Clinton; “misery enough, but no poetry”: race and the remaking of a symbol; “abortion to their hopes”: Jefferson versus religious authority; “history becomes fable”: yesterday’s future. Annotation ©2015 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)