Thomas Jefferson loved books and it is his library (sold to Congress to replace what was lost in the War of 1812) that is the core collection for the Library of Congress.

Probably the best known biography (or at least it was at one time) about Thomas Jefferson is the one by Dumas Malone, Jefferson and His Time. It took the author 34 years to research and write, fills six volumes, and won the Pulitzer Prize. I read two of the six volumes (the first and the last) many years ago. Well written, but with little discussion as to Jefferson as a slave owner and any relationship with Sally Hemmings. (Not surprising, given when it was written.)

Thomas Jefferson: an Intimate History, Fawn M. Brodie, published as it was just before the American Bicentennial, sparked a lot of controversy. Brodie focused on Jefferson's relationship with Sally Hemmings. Again, it's been ages since I read this book, but I remember learning more of the personal side of Jefferson (rather than the political).

It was winter, 1983. Then, as now, Village Books sent out the colorful insert with information about books that would make great gifts. There was one that caught my interest immediately ... Jefferson's Monticello, by William Howard Adams, ... a coffee table book (read "pricey"). I took a look at it when I was in Village and it was glorious! Photos and architectural plans, aerial views, close up views, rough sketches in Jefferson's own hand all with wonderful explanations. I was surprised, and overwhelmed, and so very happy when I got it as a gift that year ... three good friends (they still are) had gone together to be sure it found a place on my shelf.

In the musical, 1776, when Martha Jefferson is asked by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams how she ended up married to the 'most silent man in Congress', her response (in song, of course) was "He plays the violin." Well, he really did, and this story may have a basis in truth. Sandor Salgo explains all this, and more, in Thomas Jefferson Musician and Violinist. I enjoyed this mini-biography of Jefferson ... no politics, no affair, just music.

Jefferson's Sons: a Founding Father's Secret Children, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is a fictional, tween read about the children of Jefferson and Hemmings. They do get special treatment (better work, an education), but they are still slaves and could never mention who their father was, but were freed at Jefferson's death. What was this like? Nicely written.

Mr. Jefferson's Women, by Jon Kukla. From his first love (who turned him down) to his last this is a detailed, critical look at the women in Jefferson's life, how they affected him (French women had too much power), and where he thought they 'belonged'. (Not necessarily barefoot and pregnant, but certainly not in politics).

Reading Hermit With Dog