BOOKS | ARTICLES | PODCASTS
BOOKS:
Jefferson’s Godfather: The Man Behind the Man is a groundbreaking biography of Thomas Jefferson’s mentor, George Wythe. As much as any Founding Father, he helped get the young nation off to the right start; in his case, by inspiring America’s first generation of dedicated leaders. Wythe ranks as the most influential teacher in the nation’s history, judged by student achievement in high public office. At his death in 1806, his former pupils were virtually running the country.
Among the most revered of the country’s Founding Fathers, he was a renaissance man: self-taught scholar, abolitionist, signer of the Declaration of Independence, champion of the Constitution, groundbreaking judge, high-ranking legislator, advocate of religious freedom, and prophet of the American Revolution. An ethical role model for the future leaders in his law school classroom, he was the “only honest lawyer I ever knew,” quipped one clergyman.
Wythe furthered the ideal of the principled Servant Leader for a young country seeking its identity. For the first time in any biographic endeavor, Jefferson’s Godfather traces his mind behind the three lifetime achievements that his pupil Thomas Jefferson asked to be engraved on his own tombstone: author of the Declaration of Independence, author of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, and father of the University of Virginia.
In Praise of Jefferson’s Godfather
“This is an extraordinary work—a remarkable amount of research and writing. Ms. Munson is literally on a mission taking very important news about a neglected Founding Father to our body politic.”
--Taylor Reveley, President Emeritus, College of William & Mary
Former Dean of the William & Mary Law School, founded by George Wythe
“The author is spot on about Wythe and religious freedom in Colonial Virginia. Others have garnered the majority of attention on this subject, but Munson has good reason to argue on behalf of Wythe.”
--Charles Bryan, Ph.D., President Emeritus, Virginia Historical Society
“Behind every great man is usually a great mentor. This important book explores Wythe’s role as a master teacher of leaders and his profound influence on the thinking of his star pupil, Thomas Jefferson. I marvel knowing that young Jefferson would never have been expected to grasp the significance of crucial concepts such as the separation of church and state, until his association with a gifted mentor like George Wythe.”
--Benjamin Howerton, Ed. D., Former Virginia Superintendent of Education
Professor Emeritus, George Washington University
“A very intriguing book and many congratulations on it.”
--Sir David Natzler, Clerk of the House of Parliament, Emeritus
“Very rarely have I read a book so well-written and so incredibly interesting! I loved it from the first page to the last.”
--Elena G., online reviewer—5 stars
Order Jefferson’s Godfather here:
The Metaphysical Thomas Jefferson is an intriguing book based on this premise: "If you could talk with Thomas Jefferson, what questions would you ask?"
Eight Jefferson authorities devised questions, thinking that they were participating in a history class project. Instead, they became part of an amazing adventure: a journey to the immortal mind of Mr. Jefferson himself, facilitated by an experienced medium.
Prepare for a fascinating visit with a wise entity presenting as Thomas Jefferson. You will find his views spot-on regarding government, higher education, religion, foreign policy, and race. Yes, he is also interrogated about slavery and Sally Hemings. Read his candid views about other Founding Fathers, including "song and dance man" Alexander Hamilton.
In praise of The Metaphysical Thomas Jefferson:
"Future leaders of America need to read this book. The wisdom it contains could help steer this country in the right direction for generations. This is a remarkable, exceptionally well-written work, with the ring of reality."
--Jeffrey Long, M.D., author of the New York Times best seller, Evidence of the Afterlife: The Science of Near-Death Experiences.
"I happen to believe the premise of this fine book. But if others cannot, I still strongly encourage them to read it. America has strayed from its founding principles, and 'Mr. Jefferson' urges us to return to them. The only path forward is for the future leaders to form 'Circles of Integrity,' in his words."
--Stephen Hawley Martin, publisher, bestselling author, and advertising executive
Order The Metaphysical Thomas Jefferson here:
Of Loss and Love - A Journey of the Heart is a collection of reflections on embracing life after the death of a spouse
In praise of Of Loss and Love:
Publisher’s Note:
This is a lovely little book, full of wisdom and inspiration. You will want to keep it by your bedside and give it to your friends.
The author’s journal follows her path toward healing after the loss of her husband, following a long and good marriage. She was suddenly alone and had to find a new way of living.
Soon after the funeral, she began to have new insights that she wanted to express on paper. The first pieces reflect the period of early widowhood, the days of raw hurt and loss. Anyone who has lost a loved one will relate deeply to these passages. Next came a time to embrace living, to dwell in the moment, to enjoy life’s small and large gifts. And the last words were written when she ventured to find a new partner.
From time to time, she shared her writing with family and friends, and they encouraged her to publish, to communicate with a wider audience. Her engaging journey, expressed here, will offer enjoyment and insight.
--Stephen Hawley Martin, bestselling author, publisher, and advertising executive
Order Of Loss and Love here: Of Loss and Love on Amazon
First in Law, First in Leadership
Ethical Politicians?
Regardless of our political persuasions, many believe that politicians today don't measure up to the standards of ethical leadership of our Founding Fathers' generation.
There is a reason for this perception. Unlike politicians now, many early American leaders were actually schooled in ethics and statesmanship before they began their government careers.
This is an amazing, inspiring story, lost to time. First in Law, First in Leadership is an account of the nation's first leadership training program for future statesmen, at America's first law school, under the tutelage of Founding Father George Wythe.
Taylor Reveley, President Emeritus of William & Mary and former Dean of the Law School there that Wythe founded, notes:
"Wythe's paradigm matters to our national success in the 21st century, just as it did in the 18th. He was a Servant Leader by both powerful personal example and by his instruction of an amazing number of other early American leaders. Suzanne Munson has breathed new life into the great Wythe. How wonderful it would be if George Wythe graced our own time."
Termed the "only honest lawyer I ever knew" by one of his contemporaries, Wythe taught his future leaders of the White House, Congress, and the Supreme Court that it would be better to cut off a hand than to dip it into the public till for personal gain.
This is the story of the Power of One. The ability of just one individual to change the course of history for the better.
If you find the account of value, send a copy to Washington!
First in Law, First in Leadership is now available on Amazon: First in Law, First in Leadership
This is a sequel to the George Wythe biography, Jefferson's Godfather.
For members of book groups, here are selected discussion questions:
DISCUSSION GROUP QUESTIONS
First in Law, First in Leadership
Why were lawyers banned from courtrooms during Virginia’s early colonial period?
During the American Revolution, why did Thomas Jefferson and other leaders believe that it was important to found America’s first collegiate school of law?
In what ways did America’s first law school also become the nation’s first school for training ethical statesmen?
Why did Jefferson, George Wythe and others believe that judges should be appointed for life, on good behavior, instead of being required to run for election?
Can you name a state where judges run for election, along political party lines, with the need for large campaign donations?
What role did graduates of America’s first law school and their professor play in affirming the Constitution as the nation’s founding document?
What school was the first, and for many years, the only law school in America to teach constitutional law? Why was this important?
George Wythe has the distinction of being the only signer of the Declaration of Independence to be murdered. In what ways was his death linked to his strong anti-slavery views and practices?
BOOKS IN PROGRESS:
The Metaphysical Leonard Cohen: The Last Interview
Facilitated by Jana Anna and transcribed by Suzanne Munson
We Stood at the Turning Point
A novel: Two individuals, one addressing a serious addiction, and another burdened as a care-giver, create a new life together.
ARTICLES:
"Wythe taught abolition in colonial times," Charlotesville Daily Progress, August 20, 2022
"Expanding Education Choices in Virginia," Richmond Times-Dispatch, June 26, 2022
"Jefferson, Madison Deserve Library Name," Charlottesville Daily Progress, June 24, 2022
"Honoring Richmond's Best History," Richmond Times-Dispatch, February 8, 2022.
"Constitutional Day - Remembering Virginia's Crucial Voice," Richmond Times-Dispatch, September 17, 2021.
"Remembering Wythe, Jefferson's Mentor," Charlottesville Daily Progress, Sunday Commentary Section, April 11, 2021.
"Archive Dive: George Wythe Marker," Discover Richmond, Richmond Times-Dispatch, February 7, 2021
"Religious Freedom Day: Celebrating Virginia's Role" Richmond Times-Dispatch, January 6, 2021
“George Wythe played crucial role in Virginia Ratifying the US Constitution“
Virginia Gazette (America's oldest non-weekly newspaper),
September 12, 2020
"'Father and Son' Gardeners: Wythe and Jefferson"
The Garden Club of Virginia Journal, March 2020
“The Amazing Legacy of Speaker of the House George Wythe”
Virginia Capital Connections, Summer 2019
“Keep Wythe’s Name on Public Schools”
Richmond Times-Dispatch, September 21, 2019
“’The Virginia Way’: Revisiting a Political Ideal in a Time of Disillusionment”
Richmond Times-Dispatch, February 10, 2019
“Partners in Reform: Wythe Helped Jefferson Lead the Fight for Religious Liberty”
Richmond Magazine, January 2019
“Founding Father George Wythe: Age 50 and Just Getting Started”
Boomer Magazine, October 2018
"In Support of Public Education - Jefferson's Admonition"
Published in "Bacon's Rebellion" August 22, 2023.
https://www.baconsrebellion.com/wp/virginias-schools-really-do-need-more-money/#more-114078
PODCASTS:
Title: Suzanne Munson Interview with Sylvia Jacobs on her book. "Of Loss & Love: A Journey of the Heart." Watch the full video at the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaXcWBiFBpU .
" The Unsung Hero of the American Revolutionary: George Wythe", and interview with Whailthera Mwang, on Suzanne Munson's Books of History and Reflections, August 15, 2024. EPISODE LINK.
" Jefferson's Views on Ethics in Government", an interview on The Backstory Podcast with Obombola Stephen and guest: Suzanne Munson, November 30, 2022. https://youtu.be/VxP_B26BZmE
"Thought Leaders Commentary," article and interview, the Price of Business Show, November 20, 2022. https://usdailyreview.com/author-munson-focuses-on-ethics-in-government/