Thomas Jefferson: An Intimate History

Thoroughly fascinating, opening vistas into Jefferson's life and thought that were fresh and exciting. A superbly written book, sparkling with new information and interpretation.--Ray A. Billington Brilliant, provocative. . . . A biography no one interested in the man or his times should miss.--Larry McMurtry Powerful and touching. . . . The story of an intimate life hidden from and at odds with the public life. . . . Brodie has humanized Jefferson without in the least diminishing him.--Wallace Stegner An extraordinary human drama told with great insight, compassion, and literary skill. What history should be but seldom is.--Page Smith

This portrayal of a complex man, this biography explores Thomas Jefferson's inner life and his relationship with Sally Hemings. Jefferson is shown to be a man of passion and feeling. The author shows how Jefferson wrestled with issues of revolution, religion, power, race and love - ambivalences that exerted a powerful influence on his political writing and decision making.