The Long Affair: Thomas Jefferson and the French Revolution, 1785-1800

Through a critical lens, this examination delves into Thomas Jefferson's complex relationship with the French Revolution, portraying him as both an alienated figure and an ardent supporter of revolutionary ideals. O'Brien highlights Jefferson's political pragmatism, juxtaposed with his commitment to a slave-based economy, revealing a tension between his egalitarian beliefs and societal realities. The book raises provocative questions about Jefferson's legacy in today's multiracial America, linking his ideals to contemporary extremist ideologies and challenging conventional views of his historical significance.