20 Fun Facts About the Declaration of Independence


Book Description

The Declaration of Independence is one of the most famous letters in human history. Thomas Jefferson and the other Founding Fathers created this important document to announce their freedom from England. It was one of the driving forces that sparked the Revolutionary War and lead to the formation of the United States. But there’s so much more to learn about this historic document that isn't in typical history books. The age-appropriate text in this book is paired with little-known fun facts, fascinating photographs and illustrations, and helpful graphic organizers to show just how interesting this pivotal document really is.







20 Fun Facts About Thomas Jefferson


Book Description

Thomas Jefferson is known as the writer of the Declaration of Independence and a champion of democracy, but there was much more to his life than just his writing. From his early life in Virginia to his later presidency and the Louisiana Purchase, the story of Jefferson’s life is full of fun facts readers will love learning. Whether exploring the details of his time in France or in George Washington’s cabinet as the Founding Fathers created the framework for America, readers will get an in-depth look at Jefferson’s role in the creation of their country in this exciting book.




20 Fun Facts About Thomas Jefferson


Book Description

Thomas Jefferson is known as the writer of the Declaration of Independence and a champion of democracy, but there was much more to his life than just his writing. From his early life in Virginia to his later presidency and the Louisiana Purchase, the story of Jefferson’s life is full of fun facts readers will love learning. Whether exploring the details of his time in France or in George Washington’s cabinet as the Founding Fathers created the framework for America, readers will get an in-depth look at Jefferson’s role in the creation of their country in this exciting book.




Thomas Jefferson


Book Description

Dumas Malone wrote his first 15,000 word essay about Jefferson for the scholarly Dictionary of American Biography. This reprint is Malone's own revision of that essay, made after his decades of study of a remarkable American.




Jefferson Himself


Book Description







Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library


Book Description

Young readers of all ages will love this story about President Thomas Jefferson, who found his passion as soon as he learned to read: books, books, and more books! Before, during, and after the American Revolution, Jefferson collected thousands of books on hundreds of subjects. In fact, his massive collection eventually helped rebuild the Library of Congress—now the largest library in the world. Author Barb Rosenstock's rhythmic words and illustrator John O'Brien's whimsical illustrations capture Jefferson's zeal for the written word as well as little-known details about book collecting. An author's note, bibliography, and source notes for quotations are also included.




Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings


Book Description

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.