30 MAY 1914, Page 24

Autobiography of Thomas Jefferson. Edited by P. L. Ford. (G.

P. Putnam's Sons. 6s. net.)—Jefferson's autobiography, which was first published in 1829, is a valuable historical document which throws much light on the ideals and motives of one of the leading founders of the United States. As Mr. G. H. Putnam says in his foreword, it " belongs to the literature of the nation." It is here reprinted from the late Mr. Ford's "Federal Edition" of Jefferson's works. We have been greatly interested in this opportunity of studying the first draft of the Declaration of Independence and the emenda- tions made in it by Congress.