Annette Gordon-Reed

Annette Gordon-Reed is an American historian and law professor. She is noted for her work on Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, and has received numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for History and the National Book Award.

Books

Ranked Books All Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. On Juneteenth

    Cover of 'On Juneteenth' by Annette Gordon-Reed

    "On Juneteenth" is a memoir by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annette Gordon-Reed that explores the history and significance of Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Gordon-Reed reflects on her own experiences growing up in Texas and the ways in which Juneteenth has been celebrated and politicized over time. She also delves into the complex legacy of slavery and racism in America, offering a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of this important holiday and its ongoing relevance.

    The 11663rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. The Hemingses of Monticello

    An American Family
    Cover of 'The Hemingses of Monticello' by Annette Gordon-Reed

    This book explores the complex and controversial history of Thomas Jefferson's relationship with his slave, Sally Hemings, and her family. It provides a detailed account of the Hemings family's life at Monticello, their interactions with Jefferson, and their experiences during and after his presidency. The narrative also delves into the wider context of slavery, race, and society in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, challenging traditional views and offering a fresh perspective on a well-known historical figure and his time.

    The 14986th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Andrew Johnson

    Cover of 'Andrew Johnson' by Annette Gordon-Reed

    A concise, revisionist biography that traces his journey from humble Appalachian roots to the presidency after Lincoln’s assassination, examining how his background shaped a stubborn, fiercely independent political style. The book examines his actions during Reconstruction—his lenient approach to the defeated South, frequent clashes with Radical Republicans, and the impeachment that followed—while probing his complicated views on race, slavery and constitutional authority. Drawing on archival research, the narrative seeks to understand both his political failures and the broader consequences of his presidency for postwar American democracy.

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