“The author is an adept storyteller and defends Jefferson’s legacy with a confident narrative…An engrossing read.”

“A powerfully in-depth production…Hyland creates a far more psychologically detailed account of Jefferson than almost any competing biographical examination.”

“Hyland…adds a compelling element of social texture to ensure his characters are vividly and emotionally depicted.”

“[A] meticulously researched and precisely detailed account…[of] Jefferson’s turbulent twilight years…An immersive, original account that is both illuminating and thematically rich.”

“Paints a sympathetic portrait of both the third president’s last years as the patriarch of Monticello and the extended family that carried on his legacy, as well as a spirited defense against accusations of Jefferson’s sexual exploitation of Sally Hemings.”

“[An] in-depth and illuminating study of Jefferson through the lens of his intimate family members…Very well done.”

“An excellent book that intertwines Jefferson’s family, his legacy, and his tragedies…I enjoyed reading Hyland’s work and will be proud to place it in my Jefferson Library.”

“Thomas Jefferson’s last, sad years are often overlooked. Fortunately, scholar William Hyland has brought that time to light…Hyland also exposes the deeply loving relationships Jefferson had with his two favorite grandchildren.”

“A rarely told chapter in the life of an American legend…Presents an ex-president in a decidedly vulnerable space, descended from political legend to a more tucked-away life amongst family, resulting in an intimate and intriguing character portrait…of the man and of the country.”