The state of Virginia began its storied history as a charter colony and didn't become a British crown colony until 1624 when the charter holder went bankrupt. The largely fragmented colony began to see success with the arrival of Colonel Richard Lee I in 1639. A society developed, an aristocracy of wealthy landowners formed, and political machinations became a focal point of aristocratic life.
The complex social and political structure in Virginia likely contributed to the colony's significant role in the American Revolution. Revolutionary leaders including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and Richard Henry Lee of the famous Lee family, were of Virginia stock. Virginians were instrumental in the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, cementing a place in American history for eternity.
The Birth of Virginia's Aristocracy by James C. Thompson II explores the evolution of Virginian society from a fledgling colony to a powerful commonwealth. The book zeroes in on the political machinations of the Lee family and other Virginian landowners as they play powerful leaders against each other and take sides in British civil disputes. The first installment in the Pocketbook Illustrated Histories series masterfully weaves a tapestry of intrigue, politics, and alliances.
Explore the collections of our book publishing service and experience human development in an original and enlightening way.
The first of the three figures who so succinctly conveys Commonwealth Book Publishers of Virginia's approach to history is the famous statesman Thomas Jefferson. He played a pivotal role in American history for his authorship of the Declaration of Independence and subsequent introduction of the concept of inherent rights into the American political vernacular.
Jefferson went on to serve as Minister to France, Secretary of State, Vice President, and President. He was responsible for the Louisiana Purchase and the expedition of Lewis and Clark into the new land. Jefferson also played a significant role in the design and formation of the University of Virginia.
Many biographies fail to adequately account for the sources of Jefferson's inspiration. His educational background exposed him to the work of British philosopher John Locke whose thoughts on government and society likely had a major impact on a young Jefferson.
Through his actions, Jefferson brought philosophical thought into the framework of history, thereby intertwining the depth of human thought with the march of human events.
Commonwealth Book Publishers of Virginia is a book retailer and book publishing service with a particular yen for works that reveal the interdependence of history, philosophy, and art. We invite authors to submit works for review and possible inclusion into our specialized book list.
Avid history readers and writers alike have three questions when they come across our website. They wonder who we are, what factors elevate us from the pack, and why we chose three specific historical figures to represent our motto, "Where History, Philosophy, and Art Meet."
Commonwealth Book Publishers of Virginia is a well known publisher and book publishing service that specializes in memoirs and the study of American history. We manage every aspect of editing and publishing the works we choose for inclusion into our repertoire.
Though a book is not revealed by its cover, a publisher is judged by what he chooses to produce. We do not have an allegiance to a particular location or era in the historical accounts we choose to convey. Instead, we select books that exemplify our theory that the course of human events is closely intertwined with and shaped by the ideals and thoughts of contemporary philosophy and art.
Thomas Jefferson, John Locke, and Charles Willson Peale are prime examples of this line of reasoning and, for that, their beaming portraits grace our website. We hope the reader is influenced to see history in a new light through our book selection.
Commonwealth Book Publishers of Virginia is constantly looking for authors and titles to grace our online bookshelves. Suggestions from history buffs and submissions from authors can help us achieve our goal.
