Andrea Palladio’s books had a profound influence on Jefferson’s architecture; he referred to the Italian architect’s classical designs as his “architectural bible.” Palladian theory informed Jefferson’s designs for Monticello and the University of Virginia campus.

The classical lines of Palladian architecture blended well, in Jefferson’s mind, with the forthright and earnest architecture needed for the fledgling democratic nation. Most of the Arts chapters in Jefferson’s collection were destroyed by the 1851 fire, including his entire architecture section. This copy replaces the one Jefferson sold to the nation in 1815.