When Annette Gordon-Reed's groundbreaking study was first published; rumors of Thomas Jefferson's sexual involvement with his slave Sally Hemings had circulated for two centuries. Among all aspects of Jefferson's renowned life; it was perhaps the most hotly contested topic. The publication of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings intensified this debate by identifying glaring inconsistencies in many noted scholars' evaluations of the existing evidence. In this study; Gordon-Reed assembles a fascinating and convincing argument: not that the alleged thirty-eight-year liaison necessarily took place but rather that the evidence for its taking place has been denied a fair hearing.Friends of Jefferson sought to debunk the Hemings story as early as 1800; and most subsequent historians and biographers followed suit; finding the affair unthinkable based upon their view of Jefferson's life; character; and beliefs. Gordon-Reed responds to these critics by pointing out numerous errors and prejudices in their writings; ranging from inaccurate citations; to impossible time lines; to virtual exclusions of evidence―especially evidence concerning the Hemings family. She demonstrates how these scholars may have been misguided by their own biases and may even have tailored evidence to serve and preserve their opinions of Jefferson. This updated edition of the book also includes an afterword in which the author comments on the DNA study that provided further evidence of a Jefferson and Hemings liaison.00Possessing both a layperson's unfettered curiosity and a lawyer's logical mind; Annette Gordon-Reed writes with a style and compassion that are irresistible. Each chapter revolves around a key figure in the Hemings drama; and the resulting portraits are engrossing and very personal. Gordon-Reed also brings a keen intuitive sense of the psychological complexities of human relationships―relationships that; in the real world; often develop regardless of status or race. The most compelling element of all; however; is her extensive and careful research; which often allows the evidence to speak for itself. Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: An American Controversy is the definitive look at a centuries-old question that should fascinate general readers and historians alike.
#404674 in Books Rutgers University Press 2003-03-18Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.86 x .63 x 6.36l; .78 #File Name: 0813532256264 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good Introduction to Schools and Race; Maybe Not the Most Current StudyBy Abby PhippsI read Race in the Schoolyard for a book review and discussion as part of a graduate class. I choose the book because I am interested in the way race affects both students in the majority and those in minority groups. The books examines what role race plays in three schools located in very different neighborhoods and with very different racial make ups. If the reader is familiar with schools and racial relationships within educational institutions the findings of the study may not be very surprising. But for those readers new to the racial implications found in classrooms this study would be an excellent place to start. Amanda Lewis addresses racial implications in very different schools with very different racial make ups. For this reason; this book is an great introduction to the topic. The book poses some excellent questions for classroom teachers and school leaders. It forces readers to examine some of their own actions that; while they may think nothing of; may actually be causing or exaggerating racial tensions in their classrooms or schools. The study encourages discussions within schools; grade levels; and classrooms about race; which; depending on the school; may not have occurred before. It allows educators to think about the impacts of race in their schools without accusing them of racism. While the book does allow for some great conversations and is certainly a quality introduction to racial relations in the context of school; it may seem outdated or expected to educators or readers with significant experience in a wide range of school settings. If the reader is familiar with the implications of race in schools this study may seem repetitive. The study does not do much to advance the modern conversation about race in educational institutions; but does allow the unfamiliar reader to get a introduction to racial relations within schools. At the time of publishing the book was undoubtedly a great conversation starter for schools; educators; and those concerned with race in schools. The study does allow the reader to understand where racial conversations were focused during the time of publishing; which; in turn; allows the reader to examine how far the conversation has advanced or how far it still has to come.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Must readBy RachelGreat perspectives on three schools in Cali; each with a new side to Lewis's views on race.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Race in the SchoolyardBy LeighaAmanda Lewis is making some noise with her book Race in the Schoolyard. Her thought provoking work takes us into the classrooms of 3 elementary schools revealing the hidden curriculum that is being taught each day- race. Through a series of interviews and observations; Amanda Lewis sheds light on students; teachers; and administrators; and their culturally incompetent attitudes towards race and the harmful affect that it has; not only on minorities; but those of the macro culture as well. Through deep analysis; she goes on to explain how the educational institution; which is an agent of socialization has a responsibility to tackle race head on; so that positive attitudes are developed and perpetuated later in life.
