Award-winning scholars and veteran teachers Deborah Gray White; Mia Bay; and Waldo E. Martin Jr. have collaborated to create a fresh; innovative new African American history textbook that weaves together narrative and a wealth of carefully selected primary sources. The narrative focuses on the diversity of black experience and culture and the impact of African Americans on the nation as a whole. Every chapter contains two themed sets of written documents and a visual source essay; guiding students through the process of analyzing sources and offering the convenience and value of a "two-in-one" textbook and reader.
#1168204 in Books William G Hyland 2009-06-09 2009-06-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 228.60 x 22.23 x 6.00l; 1.17 #File Name: 0312561008320 pagesIn Defense of Thomas Jefferson The Sally Hemings Sex Scandal
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great book; problem-free orderBy Maureen K. AdlerNo problems with order. The book is interesting; and presents a very good case for the innocence of Thomas Jefferson. The politically correct crowd love to indict people who lived two hundred years ago; by outright lies; or by applying present day standards to historical figures; using very little scholarship to gather information; and then cherry-picking even those facts. I'm glad to have books like this one to refute their nonsense.6 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Reasonable doubt achievedBy Scott HuizengaThomas Jefferson has been on trial in the court of public opinion since 1802 regarding his alleged affair with Sally Hemings. In a democratic society; the defendant does not have to prove innocence. The defense only has to raise reasonable doubt. In Defense of Thomas Jefferson is a resounding success in that light.Hyland's thesis relies on several key points. Most notably; the famous DNA test in 1998 does not prove that Thomas Jefferson was the father of one; let alone six; of Sally Hemings's children. The test proved only that one of at least seven possible Jefferson descendents (including Thomas) fathered one of the children. Hyland contradicts several other "facts" that have led to the conventional wisdom of Jefferson's guilt. He borrows heavily from previous Jefferson biographies and from original documents such as Jefferson farm records and travel logs to present more than enough evidence to cast reasonable doubt. And; Hyland presents a strong; circumstantial case that Jefferson's brother; Randolph; may have actually been the father of one or more Hemings children. Whether or not the theory holds water; one can safely surmise that the odds are not significantly worse - and perhaps better - that Randolph was the father.Not all of the evidence is completely in Jefferson's favor. Hyland acknowledges that Jefferson likely was present at Monticello during all six conceptions of Hemings's children. Although in some instances; the timing would have been quite fortuitous (especially for a 64 year old man in frail health) because the overlap between Jefferson's presence and the projected conception window was just a few days. Hyland (and other pro-Jefferson historians) have been criticized for the character defense. This defense states; in essence; that Jefferson's refined status and his open hostility to miscegenation (mixing of the races) made an affair with Hemings a "moral impossibility." This is a relatively minor point in the overall defense argument; however. Finally; Hyland asserts that Jefferson most likely could not have fathered Heming's' male children because Jefferson's "legitimate" children all were girls (except for one nonviable male). This is flatly false; barring some unknown genetic abnormality.Hyland's writing style is direct; and it sometimes borders on hostile. One may forgive this; however; on several counts. First; an attorney's job (Hyland is an attorney for his "real job") is to make a direct case with much force. Also; Jefferson opponents; including Annette Gordon-Reed and Dianne Swann-Wright; have been so openly vitriolic to Jefferson in their pursuits that one may be forgiven for being; well; defensive. Hyland unfortunately resorts to ad hominem attacks in isolated sections. The only other criticism of the book; as many have pointed out; is that the book is repetitive. Hyland raises the same points sometimes three and four times. This may be a quality tactic in the courtroom. In a book; however; it just seems monotonous.Overall; Hyland presents a very compelling case. It is not conclusive. But; it does not have to be if Jefferson is the figure on trial. Unfortunately; I think Hyland is largely preaching to choir. The issue is so divisive that most have already decided on Jefferson's guilt or innocence. If this is the first Jefferson read; one should read several other accounts; including Gordon-Reed's; and draw one's own conclusions.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Amazing Book!By Monica HessGreat Book! Opened up a whole new possibility for me. I was very impressed with his research. Highly recommended for anyone seeking the truth.
