Ellis’ approach to explaining the character of Thomas Jefferson begins on June 20, 1775, with Jefferson’s arrival in Philadelphia as Virginia’s delegate to the Continental Congress and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. He follows through to the president’s retirement at Monticello. Central to the book are Jefferson’s contradictions and inconsistencies. Ellis covers Jefferson’s career as ambassador to France, Secretary of State, planter and president.
He did not always speak exactly as he felt, either towards his friends or his enemies. As a consequence, he has left hanging over a part of his public life a vapor of duplicity., the presence of which is generally felt more than it is seen.