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Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: An American Controversy
by: Annette Gordon-Reed

Used Price: $9.00
Collectible Price: $39.00

Binding: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 973.46092
EAN: 9780813916989
ISBN: 0813916984
Label: Univ of Virginia Pr
Manufacturer: Univ of Virginia Pr
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 288
Publication Date: 1997-04
Publisher: Univ of Virginia Pr
Sales Rank: 279704
Studio: Univ of Virginia Pr

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Editorial Review:

Product Description:
Possessing both a layperson's unfettered curiosity and a lawyer's logical mind, Gordon-Reed writes with an irresistible style and compassion about Thomas Jefferson's sexual involvement with his slave Sally Hemings. Her fascinating and convincing argument: not that the alleged 38-year liaison necessarily took place but rather that the evidence for its taking place has been denied a fair hearing.

Amazon.com Review:
Annette Gordon-Reed, a professor of law at New York Law School, doesn't take a position for or against the proposition that Thomas Jefferson may have had a liaison of nearly 40 years with a slave named Sally Hemings, and that Hemings may have borne him several children. Instead, in this scrupulously researched book, Gordon-Reed examines the evidence both for and against Jefferson's liasion with Hemings. Among the strongest evidence in this provocative book is the fact that though Jefferson's time in Virginia was limited when he was in public life, Hemings's six children--born over 15 years--were delivered with months after each of Jefferson's stays at Monticello.

Customer Reviews

Average Rating: out of 5 stars

Rating:

- wonderful reading
I bought and read this book before the DNA results. This is the most unbiased look at the Jefferson-Hemings story I have read so far. The author examines the facts pro and con. According to Madison Hemings, Sally's son, the child she had after returning to Monticello from Paris died. Why can't this be believed? This would explain why the Woodson DNA test was negative. Despite all his greatness, Thomas Jefferson was just a man, subject to all the weaknesses that we all possess. The true feelings that these two had for each other will never be known but I choose to believe that he loved her. That is the only way that I can forgive him for being a slave owner.

Rating:

- Very Skillful Lawyerly Presentation of History
This is a very solid and well researched book. The author makes a very thorough and logical presentation to prove her case. Much in the manner of a courtroom argument. It is effective. I came away from reading the book convinced that Jefferson, in all reasonable liklihood, did father Sally Hemings five mixed race children.

Sally Hemings was 1/4 African in descent, 3/4's European. By all accounts, she was a picture of beauty. Jefferson was, apparently, unexpectedly presented with her youthful beauty when Sally accompanied his youngest daughter from his former, deceased wife to France where Jefferson was representing US government interests.

Some reviewers have referred to Jefferson as a rapist and a child molestor. I think that's a bit much. The "past is a different place" as some thoughtful historian once described it. Teenage girls in the 18th century--and for much of the 19th ... Read More

Rating:

- Believe it, I do.
Shame, on these so called Historians, that turn away from what is so plan to me and anyone else with common sense. Why is it so hard to believe that Thomas Jefferson did in fact have a relationship with his slave, Sally? Yes, he is one of the key figures in establishing the United States, Yes; he spoke of freedom and equality. However, he did not practice what he was preaching. He fought for freedom and independence and kept slaves in bondage, he recorded births of his slaves along side the inventory of his animals. They were property no more, no less, including Sally, she was taken advantage of, and that is the bottom line. A 40+ male having sex with a 14 yr old child, makes me sick to my stomach. I visited Monticello last week, the view was breath taking, the house was all it appeared on television, but I secretly mourned for the slaves that were made to live, work and die there. No matter what they individually ... Read More

Rating:

- No longer a "Controversy"
Jefferson owned slaves. As did his father before him. Jefferson was a man of his times and Sally Hemings a slave woman of hers. There is no big 'mystery' here. Jefferson and Hemings had a sexual relationship that produced offspring. DNA is not necessarily needed to help prove that. Reed does not state this in her book as fact, but she makes it clear that this was the most likely scenario. And exposes the bigotry throughout the centuries that have tried to cover it up. Great book if you're really interested in this subject. I have never read a finer book on it.

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