Master Of The Mountain

Thomas Jefferson and His Slaves

Henry Wiencek, Multco Central 973.46092 J457w 2012

This book describes young Thomas Jefferson's idealistic opposition to the excesses of slavery, his about face during life, his later opposition to mixed race, and the many descendants of the slaves he impregnated. Wiencek properly writes about that, and provides information and citations for others writing about the horrors of those times, but 40 pages of it was enough for me.

Slavery destroyed people, both masters and slaves. It is sad that even the horrific "Civil War" did not end that destruction. It is attenuated 160 years later, but has not vanished, and probably won't vanish until we elevate that priority above sitcoms, fast cars, and fast food.