This title is a penetrating and controversial critical reappraisal of historical and DNA evidence surrounding Thomas Jefferson's relationship with Sally Hemings. It is accepted by most scholars that Thomas Jefferson had an affair with his slave Sally Hemings, and fathered at least one of her children. This conclusion is based upon a 1998 DNA study and the work of historian Annette Gordon-Reed. Framing a Legend argues compellingly that the DNA evidence is inconclusive and that there are remarkable flaws in the historical scholarship which purports to show such a liaison. This thoroughly researched volume brings a penetrating critical perspective to the question of Jefferson's paternity and will make Jefferson scholar's everywhere rethink recent conventional wisdom.
