Long Journey with Mr. Jefferson: The Life of Dumas Malone
“Anyone interested in how good history is written will be mesmerized by this book. If some readers also want to find out whether recent assaults on Thomas Jefferson's reputation are based on fact or on factoids, they will find a veritable mother lode of information here.”—Thomas Fleming, author ofThe Intimate Lives of the Founding Fathers“Author William Hyland has done a tremendous service to us all by producing this carefully researched, thoroughly documented, yet very readable biography of the greatest Jefferson scholar the world has to date produced. It is the story of a remarkable scholar’s quest for the truth, and it contains countless lessons to guide young scholars today who wish to make their mark in this same quest. I recommend the volume enthusiastically for scholars of all ages and for anyone who shares our common fascination and admiration for Mr. Jefferson."—Robert F. Turner, professor of law, University of Virginia, and chairman, Jefferson-Hemings Scholars Commission“A great historian is as rare as a great poet or novelist. And a great historian needs a great subject—as when Dumas Malone met Thomas Jefferson. Hyland's work is more than the biography of a historian. His account of Malone's intellectual struggles with and for Jefferson make an original and important contribution to Jefferson studies and to the understanding of American thought in the 20th century.”—Clyde N. Wilson, distinguished professor of history (emeritus), University of South Carolina“The great Jefferson biographer, Dumas Malone, explained that the biographer’s role is to “portray character plausibly, in the round.” That is exactly what Hyland has accomplished in his biography of Malone. Hyland brilliantly and movingly brings Malone to life, from his Marine Corps boot camp experience to lunching with Queen Elizabeth II. Hyland deals most tellingly with Malone’s assessment of the Jefferson/Hemings issues, where Hyland brings to bear his unique insights. He provides depth, clarity and scrupulous attention to detail.”—Arthur T. Downey, former National Security Council adviser and author ofCivil War Lawyers: Constitutional Questions, Courtroom Dramas, and the Men behind Them"A welcome and richly drawn portrait of the renowned author of the biographical masterworkThomas Jefferson. InLong Journey With Mr. JeffersonHyland proves the enduring power of Dumas Malone's principled adherence to historical truth and scholarly excellence. A timely reminder of the importance of integrity and character in an era of agenda-driven Jefferson studies."—Eric S. Petersen, editor ofLight and Liberty: Reflections on the Pursuit of Happiness“Hyland has produced a brilliant biography about a man whose life is arguably as interesting as that of Thomas Jefferson. This biography is highly recommended for anyone who wants to understand the passions and motivations of the man who produced the seminal work on Jefferson.”—C. Thomas Faulders III, president and CEO, University of Virginia Alumni Association"Finally we have an outstanding biography of one of America's great historians, Dumas Malone. Hyland has captured Malone as a warm and genial family man, a world-renowned scholar, and the world's greatest Jeffersonian authority and author. His description of his encounters with some of the brightest educators, political leaders, and journalists of his day is fascinating. There is never a dull moment in this book."—W. McKenzie Wallenborn, president, Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society“Hyland has taken on a fine task in writing a biography of the remarkable Dumas Malone.”—Katherine Sargeant, Dumas Malone’s personal assistant“Extremely well written.”—Edward A. Leake, member of the board of directors, Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society