Master of the Mountain: Thomas Jefferson and His Slaves by Henry Wiencek

Make no mistake. This is a book about Thomas Jefferson, not a book about his slaves. But, of course, the two are inextricably tied together, and the perspective of the book does not negate ways in which this book necessarily illuminates slave life at Monticello. “[A] brilliant examination of the dark side of the man who gave the world the most ringing declarations about human liberty.” ―Jonathan Yardley. “In this deeply provocative and crisply written journey into the dark heart of slavery at Monticello, Henry Wiencek brings into focus a side of Jefferson that Americans have largely failed―or not cared―to see. This book will change forever the way that we think about the author of the Declaration of Independence.” ―Fergus M. Bordewich. “Master of the Mountain is bound to cause a firestorm. It completely upends our view of Jefferson and his attitudes on freedom, slavery, and wealth. It's a tough-minded book by a master craftsman, completely convincing and a joy to read.” ―Richard Ben Cr