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

Founding Father George Wythe was clearly the most influential teacher in American history, judged by student achievement in high public office. In this groundbreaking book, Suzanne Munson shines a light on Wythe’s widespread influence on the country’s first platoon of statesmen, those who set the standard for public service. For the first time, Munson details Wythe’s mindset behind the three lifetime achievements that his student Thomas Jefferson wanted engraved on his tombstone: author of the Declaration of Independence, author of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, and father of the University of Virginia.After reading an account of Wythe’s unusual death—poisoned by a deranged nephew looking for an early inheritance—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 on Thomas Jefferson. For five years, young Jefferson received the equivalent of an education from the world’s finest university as Wythe’s legal apprentice. At the same time, Wythe shared his radical ideas with the youth about religious freedom, democracy, public education, and a host of other important reforms. This break-through book is 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.Upon reading this book, here is what Professor Emeritus of George Washington University, E. Benjamin Howerton, had to say: “Behind every great man is usually a great mentor. This important book explores Wythe’s role as a master teacher of leaders and his profound influence on the thinking of his star pupil, Thomas Jefferson. I marvel knowing that young Jefferson would never have been expected to grasp the significance of crucial concepts such as the separation of church and state, until his association with a gifted mentor like George Wythe.” Dr. Howerton holds a Ed.D degree from the University of Virginia, is a former Virginia Superintendent of Education, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of First Freedom Center. Read more