Thomas Jefferson: An Intimate History Paperback – Illustrated, September 6, 2010

This book is nothing short of amazing. After reading this book, I am in awe of Fawn Bodie's abilities to finally give us an intimate glimpse into the life of one of America's most celebrated and most private presidents. This is the third biography I have read on the subject of Thomas Jefferson and it is the first, to actually provide a genuine human portrait of the man, his life, his loves, his motivations, including the joys & very real pain that truly bring this man to life. Contrary to what some of the negative reviewers say, Fawn Brodie definitely did her homework on this book. It's clearly thoroughly researched. And as to the charge that she draws conclusions based on the facts she's presenting -- yes, she does do that in some cases, and she does it carefully, intelligently, and well. While I may not always agree with the Brodie's insights, I respect her willingness to separate opinion from fact.Regardless of the heat kicked up by the issue of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings -- this book is about much more than that relationship. It delves deeply into the relationships between Jefferson and Adams, touches throughout on his relationship with deep & abiding friend, Madison, reveals much detail about his relationship with Callendar, and on. In terms of going into great detail about the women in Jefferson's life -- well, yes, that's there in spades -- and for a reason. Jefferson's relationship to the women in his life reveals much about the character of the man who ranks among the most revered of founding fathers. Brodie does not idolize Thomas Jefferson. Thank goodness for her ability to take as non-partisan a view of this man as possible. What I learned from this book is that Thomas Jefferson was admirable, indeed, but first and foremost, utterly human. His complex relationship with his slaves as Fawn Brodie describes it is borne out by a recent (2012) Smithsonian article on Thomas Jefferson -- the facts are all there. Fawn Brodie just had the courage to put many of these facts together, perhaps, before other historians did.If you are interested in an intimate portrait of what life at Monticello must have been like while inhabited by the real Thomas Jefferson, read this.

Fawn Brodie's book is a masterpiece. That she was the first one to openly discuss the relationship between Thomas Jefferson & Sally Hemings, and that she discusses it without criticizing Jefferson, who was a free man and therefore could maintain a relationship with whomever he wished, is another merit of the book and underscores its quality. Five stars for Prof. Brodie, who, unfortunately, died in 1981, before her book became the full success that it is today.

I love how it really shows a more detailed view about Jefferson's personality and his interactions with specific people that were in his life from Sally Hemings, Maria Cosway, and others. (not giving spoilers). All in all, this is a really great book.

I had read with great interest Fawn Brodie's book, "No Man Knows My History" about Joseph Smith and the earliest, rigorous history of the beginnings of the Mormon Church - and its founding documents, "revelations" to Joseph Smith.When I heard on NPR the great historian Jon Meecham (who wrote another, excellent and more recent book on Jefferson) recommend Brodie's book, I jumped at the chance and bought this book that was published in the early '70s.It was fully direct and yet equally honest in describing Jefferson's relationship with Sally Hemings as well as the time and society in which this behavior was politely "tolerated". The point Meecham made is that each of us, great and small, is flawed. He is fascinated by how such qualities can lie, side by side, within the same individual.This was a pioneering book from a remarkable scholar and former Mormon, excommunicated after she would not submit her book on Smith to LDS editors/censors.You will like this book on Jefferson if you are a student of history and how this amazing country, The United States, came into being. Without Jefferson, it would have been vastly-less.RCC 18 MAR 2013

This is probably the single best biography of Thomas Jefferson ever written. Fawn McKay Brodie had both a PhD in History and English. Her Biographies are beautifully written and move like a good novel while being painstakingly well researched. I also highly recommend Fawn McKay Brodie's biography on Joseph Smith. I'll let you do the research on this book as there is a very interesting story about how she came to write the book. Dig in on this one! There is another book on Thomas Jefferson entitled The Master Thoughts of Thomas Jefferson. It is available as a reproduction of an original copy and was written in 1906 by an attorney in New York City. The author sought out everything that was available to him at the time that Jefferson had written. He then took the quotes that he found most compelling to him based on what was happening in 1906 and organized them in chapters devoted to major topics. It is a wonderful look at Thomas Jefferson with many quotes that I've never read before.

This book is fascinating. It tells a story of a man caught up in a time where he was not free to express himself. However, he did over step his bounds with young Sally. Because of her age and position, he was wrong. Fawn Brodie did a wonderful job telling this story. I put it down then pick it up and re-read it. not boring.

These were a gift to my momma. And she was so thrilled to receive this book.She promised to let me read them when she’s finished. I will purchase my own copy of this at a later time. She’s enjoying the book very much.

Great book

The third president, and the writer of The Declaration Of Independence who has probably more right to be called the Father of the Country than George Washington. And an absolutely fascinating man.

Go go Alabama!

No problem to report