American Sphinx (National Book Award Winner): The Character of Thomas Jefferson

Joseph Ellis won the National Book Award for unravelling one of history's greatest paradoxes: how could the man who penned 'all men are created equal' own slaves? This brilliant biography doesn't try to reconcile Jefferson's contradictions—it embraces them, revealing a complex founding father who was simultaneously visionary and hypocrite, philosopher and politician. Ellis writes with nuance and intelligence, making the enigmatic feel knowable. Perfect for history lovers who prefer their heroes human, flaws and all.