I read that last one a few years ago (about 5 I think) and then visited Washington, D. C. and Mt. Vernon. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and the visit.
I do too, but to the folks running Monticello, it was TJ's little love nest. Nothing is important about Jefferson except the alleged Hemming's affair (which, by the way, is unproven, even with DNA evidence). The Monticello Foundation loves telling the Hemings story, almost to the exclusion of all else.
A contrarian view is well presented in a WSJ article titled "The myth of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings".
My wife has family members that are direct descendants, even submitted to DNA testing. They would agree with you whole heartedly on both points. While the evidence indicates it is likely, too many people are presenting it as an absolute established fact. I've been a few times over the decades, and it is amazing how much the focus has changed. I know some descendants are embracing it and others will not speak to Annette Gordon-Reed to save their lives.
Thanks for that. The Monticello scandalmongers sell that story like the the National Examiner.
Looking at the website you listed regarding the biography of George Washington by Ron Chernow, the question is asked about the reason for reading it. One was to determine if Ron Chernow would do a good enough job in writing one for President Obama with him sitting on a horse on the cover. I suggest that they have him on the cover riding his bicycle.
