The Youth of Jefferson Or, a Chronicle of College Scrapes at Williamsburg, in Virginia, A.D. 1764

"The Youth of Jefferson" by John Esten Cooke is a historical fiction novel written in the mid-19th century. Set in Virginia during the year 1764, the story revolves around a group of young college students, primarily focusing on the characters Jacques and Sir Asinus as they navigate their youthful romantic pursuits and academic dilemmas. The narrative promises a whimsical exploration of their escapades, showcasing the complexities of love, friendship, and the social norms of the time. The opening of the book introduces the main characters, with Jacques, a somewhat melancholic young man, and his friend Sir Asinus, who displays a jovial and carefree attitude. Their banter reveals Jacques's infatuation with a girl named Belle-bouche and Sir Asinus's attempts to distance himself from academic pressures while still engaging in romantic pursuits. The dialogue is filled with light-hearted sarcasm and wordplay, establishing a playful tone. The reader is invited into a world of youthful exuberance, characterized by lighthearted challenges and humorous misunderstandings, as the characters grapple with their emotions amid the backdrop of college life in the 18th century. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John Esten Cooke was an American novelist, writer and poet. He was the brother of poet Philip Pendleton Cooke. During the American Civil War, Cooke was a staff officer for Maj. Gen. J. E. B. Stuart in the Confederate States Army cavalry and, after Stuart's death, for Brig. Gen. William N. Pendleton. Stuart's wife, Flora, was a first cousin of Cooke.