Jefferson’s Children: The Story of One American Family
Jefferson’s Children: The Story of One American Family by Shannon Lanier is a First Edition published by Random House Books for Young Readers on September 5, 2000. This 144-page book explores the historical connection between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, focusing on the DNA findings that linked them through the Eston Hemings line. The narrative unfolds following a significant family reunion at Monticello, where descendants from both the Jefferson and Hemings families come together, highlighting their shared history and the complexities of their lineage.
Readers will find a detailed account of the authors’ journey as they gather historical materials and conduct interviews with family members. The book delves into themes of race relations and genealogy, presenting a nuanced perspective on the lives of racially mixed people in America. Through photographs and personal stories, the authors aim to illustrate the intertwined histories of these two families, emphasizing that this narrative transcends the traditional boundaries of black and white, ultimately portraying a broader story about an American family.
Official synopsis Publisher
On October 31, 1998, the Associated Press broke the news of the DNA findings linking Thomas Jefferson to Sally Hemings through the Eston Hemings line. On November 10, on national TV, Oprah united members of the Jefferson family and the descendants of the Eston, Madison, and Woodson lines of the Hemings family–and history was made. On this show, Lucian Truscott IV, a Jefferson descendant, issued an invitation to the Hemings family to come to a family reunion at Monticello. At the reunion, emotions ran high–and it was in this setting that photographer Jane Feldman met Shannon Lanier and the idea for this book was born. The authors have since traveled the country amassing historical materials and interviewing and photographing members of both sides of the family. This is the story of their journey, 200 years back in time, and back and forth across family and racial lines. It is not so much a story of black and white as it is a story about an American family.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Jefferson’s Children: The Story of One American Family” about?
Who is the author of “Jefferson’s Children: The Story of One American Family”?
When was “Jefferson’s Children: The Story of One American Family” published?
What is the ISBN for “Jefferson’s Children: The Story of One American Family”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
