Welcome to Commonwealth Books of Virginia!

Commonwealth Books of Virginia is a small press founded in 2009 by James Thompson. In keeping with our motto, “Where History, Philosophy, and Art Meet,” we publish historical commentaries, non-fiction narratives in History and Political Philosophy, memoirs, historical fiction, and art. Our authors write great books. We build visibility for them and their work using technology that presents them to national audiences. We connect authors and their work with opinion makers, book reviewers, and commentators. We inform affinity groups and targeted communities of readers. We produce beautiful books. Our sales team takes our books into all channels of the book trade. Readers of our books expect to expand their horizons while enjoying themselves.


New and Forthcoming Books

Thomas Jefferson's Enlightenment - Paris 1785 (Illustrated Edition)

Thomas Jefferson Enlightenment Background Notes (Release Date: June 15, 2015)

Comments on the North American Travels of Le Rochefoucauld-Liancourt 1794-1798 (Release Date: November 20, 2015)


About the Publisher

James C. Thompson
James C. Thompson grew up in Wilmington, Delaware. As a boy, he studied art at the Delaware Art Center, home of the famous Howard Pyle collection. While doing this, he developed an enduring appreciation for the American art of illustration. This interest inspired his forthcoming book, How America’s Illustrators Created America.