Jefferson's Secrets: Death and Desire at Monticello

Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826, leaving behind a series of mysteries that captured the imaginations of historical investigators-an interest rekindled by the recent revelation that he fathered a child by Sally Hemmings, a woman he legally owned-yet there is still surprisingly little known about him as a man. In Jeffersons Secrets Andrew Burstein focuses on Jeffersons last days to create an emotionally powerful portrait of the uncensored private citizen who was also a giant of a man. Drawing on sources previous biographers have glossed over or missed entirely, Burstein uncovers, first and foremost, how Jefferson confronted his own mortality and in doing so, he reveals how he viewed his sexual choices. Delving into Jeffersons soul, Burstein lays bare the presidents thoughts about his own legacy, his predictions for American democracy, and his feelings regarding women and religion.