Language

Samuel Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language

During the House Judiciary Committee’s impeachment hearings last week, I was surprised to hear several constitutional law scholars cite Dr. Johnson’s Dictionary for definitions of treason, misdemeanors, bribery, etc. They were referring to Samuel Johnson’s 1755 Dictionary of the English language. It is not altogether uncommon to hear the name Dr. Johnson—usually in reference to some bon mot he delivered in the course of his life—but it is rare to hear anyone invoke his famous dictionary, the first great dictionary of English.

#1278 Adams, Bees and Guns

#1278 Adams, Bees and Guns

"I believe that we have the right to revolution."

— Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson

President Jefferson answers listener questions about his relationship with John Adams, replacing the Constitution once every generation, bees at Monticello, and the Second Amendment.

#1263 Jefferson's Travels

#1263 Jefferson's Travels

"I saw the future of the American experiment in the West."

— Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson

Catherine Jenkinson returns to host a conversation with President Jefferson about his travels in France, Europe and the United States.

Political Correctness

Political Correctness

"I believe in robust debate. The truth is best found by discourse: I advance one argument, you counter with a different argument, somebody else with a third perspective. Slowly, as a group, we begin to refine our view."

— Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson