AN INTIMATE HISTORY

Description

Thomas Jefferson: An Intimate History by Fawn M. Brodie is a groundbreaking biography that delves into the personal and psychological complexities of America’s third president. Published in 1974, the book offers an in-depth exploration of Jefferson’s inner life, examining how his personal experiences and relationships influenced his political beliefs and actions.

Brodie, employing both meticulous scholarship and narrative flair, portrays Jefferson grappling with the major issues of his time—revolution, religion, power, race, and love. Notably, she was among the first historians to present a compelling argument that Jefferson fathered children with his enslaved servant, Sally Hemings. This assertion was based on a combination of Jefferson’s documented presence at Monticello during the conception periods of Hemings’ children and other historical records .

The biography was both a commercial success and a subject of scholarly debate. It remained on the New York Times bestseller list for thirteen weeks and sold hundreds of thousands of copies, yet it also faced criticism from some historians who questioned Brodie’s psychological approach and interpretations .