JEFFERSON, Thomas (1743-1826). Notes on the State of Virginia. London: John Stockdale, 1787. 8vo. With map (map is supplied from a later edition of this work, in a smaller, uncolored format depicting Virginia only) and folding table of Native American tribes. [iv], 382 pp. Approximately 8 ? x 5". Contemporary full tree calf, spine ruled in gilt, burgundy gilt morocco lettering label (front board detached, binding worn, soiled, front endleaves torn at inner margin, map toned, foxed, creased with several tears, title-page with faint pencil signature, table with additional creases and outer margin worn with several tears and tape reinforcement, text toned with some offsetting, occasional thumbsoiling and foxing, several gutters overopened). Fair.THE RARE FIRST WIDELY PUBLISHED EDITION IN ENGLISH OF JEFFERSON'S MOST FAMOUS BOOK, HIS ONLY BOOK PUBLISHED IN HIS LIFETIME. This book is ?one of America's first permanent literary and intellectual landmarks." (Peden). The first edition was written and published in Paris in 1785 in a virtually unobtainable edition of only 200 copies; in 1786, a French translation was published. This book was written in the form of a series of questions about Virginia, and supplies information about Virginia's economy, natural history, and geography. He also makes vigorous arguments about what he considers to be a good society, as exemplified by Virginia. More tellingly, he expresses his beliefs in the separation of church and state, constitutional government, checks and balances, and individual liberty. He also wrote about slavery, demonstrating his belief in white supremacy, his dislike of miscegenation (despite famously having an African-American mistress), and his belief that Caucasian Americans and African-Americans cannot coexist in a society in which African-Americans are free. Peden, Introduction to Notes on the State of Virginia. Sabin 35895. Measurements: 10"L x 9"W x 2"H.