Whether you may realize it or not, Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, is in itself so ingrained in the American zeitgeist that it is engraved on the back of the nickel coin. If you were to visit Monticello today, historical interpretation focuses on three elements: 1. its famous Founding Father—Thomas Jefferson, 2. how it exists as a structural marvel of architecture, and 3. its significance as a prominent Virginian slave plantation. As the title would indicate, this book focuses on the third theme.

Monticello is one of the most well-documented former slave plantations in the United States. In addition to archaeological excavation and oral history, this book is able to delve into details that few other sites have done so thus far. It must also be noted that Lucia Stanton does not place Thomas Jefferson on any kind of pedestal in regards to slavery. She makes it clear that he is, more or less, a typical slave owner of his time regardless of his personal predilections.

"Although Jefferson was a lifelong enemy of the institution of slavery, he was continually making accommodations to it. His spoken ideals were often in conflict with the realities of his ownership of human property. While he expressed his 'scruples' against selling slaves, he sold over one hundred in his lifetime. He declared his wish to improve the living conditions of his own slaves, but worsening finances prevented him from making significant progress. Although he strove to reduce cruelty and physical punishment on his plantations, his frequent absences in public service left his overseers free to manage labor in the usual harsh manner. He encouraged the formation of stable families within his holdings, but his actions to provide for his relatives or to make his operations more efficient often led to family separation." (105)

Given the use of historic documents, this book mainly focuses on the lives of those who worked in the big house, with a particular focus on the Hemmings and their descendants. It should be noted that this book does not romanticize Jefferson’s relationship with Sally, which is good; I think most would agree that an enslaved teenager is more or less incapable of consent. Focus is also given to the Hemmings’ achievements and agency, including decedents’ involvement in the Civil War.

My one critique would be the absence of information on the enslaved who worked in the fields or were of lower social rank; this would have provided a better scope of Monticello as a plantation. That said, the Hemmings are unique in that they are one of the most historically well-documented enslaved families in America. The focus on this one lineage shinned light on a number of important issues including colorism, ‘passing,’ as well as how the sentiment of ‘anti-slavery’ is not akin to being ‘anti-racist.’

Overall, this is a solid book and I would recommend it if you are interested in the topic. For information on slavery interpretation, I would also recommend [b:Representations of Slavery: Race and Ideology in Southern Plantation Museums|1271545|Representations of Slavery Race and Ideology in Southern Plantation Museums|Jennifer L. Eichstedt|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320557623l/1271545._SY75_.jpg|1260488], [b:Interpreting Slavery at Museums and Historic Sites|23235537|Interpreting Slavery at Museums and Historic Sites|Kristin L. Gallas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1417984895l/23235537._SX50_.jpg|42779433], and [b:Shadows of the Slave Past: Memory, Heritage, and Slavery|17803612|Shadows of the Slave Past Memory, Heritage, and Slavery|Ana-Lucia Araujo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1398028054l/17803612._SY75_.jpg|24905535].