A classic biography of Jefferson. Among the many contributions of this authoritative study was Malone's inclusion in each volume of a detailed timeline of Jefferson's activities and frequent travels in his life. Malone's volumes were widely praised for their lucid and graceful writing style, for their rigorous and thorough scholarship, and for their attention to Jefferson's evolving constitutional and political thought. Later, however, some reviewers faulted Malone, believing he had a tendency to adopt Jefferson's own perspective and thus to be insufficiently critical of his occasional political errors, faults, and lapses. Some said that he was biased in favor of Jefferson and against his principal adversaries Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and John Marshall. Also, during the period in which this was being written, historical studies of slavery and its influences in the United States expanded dramatically. Some academics said that Malone did not adequately treat Jefferson's life as a slaveowner and the paradoxes inherent in his views on liberty and slavery.--Adapted from Wikipedia, 11/2016.

When Annette Gordon-Reed's groundbreaking study was first published, rumors of Thomas Jefferson's sexual involvement with his slave Sally Hemings had circulated for two centuries. Among all aspects of Jefferson's renowned life, it was perhaps the most hotly contested topic. The publication of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings intensified this debate by identifying glaring inconsistencies in many noted scholars' evaluations of the existing evidence. In this study, Gordon-Reed assembles a fascinating and convincing argument: not that the alleged thirty-eight-year liaison necessarily took place but rather that the evidence for its taking place has been denied a fair hearing. Friends of Jefferson sought to debunk the Hemings story as early as 1800, and most subsequent historians and biographers followed suit, finding the affair unthinkable based upon their view of Jefferson's life, character, and beliefs. Gordon-Reed responds to these critics by pointing out numerous errors and prejudices in their writings, ranging from inaccurate citations, to impossible time lines, to virtual exclusions of evidence—especially evidence concerning the Hemings family. She demonstrates how these scholars may have been misguided by their own biases and may even have tailored evidence to serve and preserve their opinions of Jefferson. This updated edition of the book also includes an afterword in which the author comments on the DNA study that provided further evidence of a Jefferson and Hemings liaison. Possessing both a layperson's unfettered curiosity and a lawyer's logical mind, Annette Gordon-Reed writes with a style and compassion that are irresistible. Each chapter revolves around a key figure in the Hemings drama, and the resulting portraits are engrossing and very personal. Gordon-Reed also brings a keen intuitive sense of the psychological complexities of human relationships—relationships that, in the real world, often develop regardless of status or race. The most compelling element of all, however, is her extensive and careful research, which often allows the evidence to speak for itself. Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: An American Controversy is the definitive look at a centuries-old question that should fascinate general readers and historians alike.

Final draft of the 4th volume in Malone's multi-volume biography, Jefferson & his time.

This eBook edition of "History of the United States During Thomas Jefferson's Administrations" has been formatted to the highest digital standards and adjusted for readability on all devices. The presidency of Thomas Jefferson began on March 4, 1801, when he was inaugurated as the third President of the United States, and ended on March 4, 1809. In domestic affairs Jefferson sought to put the principles of republicanism into action. In foreign affairs, the major developments were the acquisition of the gigantic Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803, an embargo against trade with both Great Britain and France, and worsening relations with Britain as the United States tried to remain neutral in the midst of the Napoleonic Wars that engulfed Europe. Contents: Physical and Economical Conditions Popular Characteristics American Ideals The Inauguration Legislation The Judiciary Debate The Spanish Court Toussaint Louverture Closure of the Mississippi Monroe's Mission Rupture of the Peace of Amiens The Louisiana Treaty Claim to West Florida Constitutional Difficulties The Louisiana Debate Louisiana Legislation The Yazoo Claims The Trial of Justice Chase Quarrel with Yrujo Pinckney's Diplomacy Monroe and Talleyrand Cordiality with England Anthony Merry Jefferson's Enemies England and Tripoli Monroe's Diplomacy Cabinet Vacillations The Florida Message The Two-Million Act John Randolph's Schism Madison's Enemies Domestic Affairs Burr's Schemes Escape Past Fort Massac Claiborne and Wilkinson Collapse of the Conspiracy The Berlin Decree Monroe's Treaty Rejection of Monroe's Treaty Burr's Trial The "Chesapeake" and "Leopard" Perceval and Canning The Orders in Council No More Neutrals Insults and Popularity The Embargo The Mission of George Rose Measures of Defence The Rise of a British Party The Enforcement of Embargo The Cost of Embargo The Dos de Maio England's Reply to the Embargo Failure of Embargo Jefferson's Retirement

The presidency of Thomas Jefferson began on March 4, 1801, when he was inaugurated as the third President of the United States, and ended on March 4, 1809. In domestic affairs Jefferson sought to put the principles of republicanism into action. In foreign affairs, the major developments were the acquisition of the gigantic Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803, an embargo against trade with both Great Britain and France, and worsening relations with Britain as the United States tried to remain neutral in the midst of the Napoleonic Wars that engulfed Europe. Contents: Physical and Economical Conditions Popular Characteristics American Ideals The Inauguration Organization Legislation The Judiciary Debate Personalities The Spanish Court Toussaint Louverture Closure of the Mississippi Monroe's Mission Rupture of the Peace of Amiens The Louisiana Treaty Claim to West Florida Constitutional Difficulties The Louisiana Debate Louisiana Legislation Impeachments The Yazoo Claims The Trial of Justice Chase Quarrel with Yrujo Pinckney's Diplomacy Monroe and Talleyrand Cordiality with England Anthony Merry Jefferson's Enemies England and Tripoli Internal Improvement Monroe's Diplomacy Cabinet Vacillations The Florida Message The Two-Million Act John Randolph's Schism Madison's Enemies Domestic Affairs Burr's Schemes Escape Past Fort Massac Claiborne and Wilkinson Collapse of the Conspiracy The Berlin Decree Monroe's Treaty Rejection of Monroe's Treaty Burr's Trial The "Chesapeake" and "Leopard" Demands and Disavowals Perceval and Canning The Orders in Council No More Neutrals Insults and Popularity The Embargo The Mission of George Rose Measures of Defence The Rise of a British Party The Enforcement of Embargo The Cost of Embargo The Dos de Maio England's Reply to the Embargo Failure of Embargo Perplexity and Confusion Diplomacy and Conspiracy General Factiousness Repeal of Embargo Jefferson's Retirement