Jefferson and Nature is the first comprehensive study to take Jefferson completely at his word--his favorite word. Nature--the term and the many ideas associated with it--pervades Jefferson"s life and writings. It sets him apart from his colleagues in the American Enlightenment and provides the distinctive gateway to his thought and action. By no means consistent and at times apparently opportunistic in his use of the term, Jefferson nevertheless draws nearly every realm of life back to this essential word and idea. Charles Miller"s book tells why this is so.