{"book":{"book":"History by a Hair","author":"Richard Kurin","publicationYear":"","description":"History by a Hair investigates a long-standing question concerning whether third U.S. President Thomas Jefferson fathered children with Sally Hemings, a woman he held in slavery. Written by Smithsonian Institution scholar and ambassador-at-large Richard Kurin, the book documents his 15-year search for Jefferson's DNA to resolve the historical controversy. The investigation originally began after strands of hair were discovered preserved inside Jefferson's personal Bible. Kurin details the scientific journey and forensic detective work required to recover and analyze genetic material from historical artifacts. The book explores how modern DNA technology intersects with archival records to re-examine the private lives and legacies of prominent early American figures. Ultimately, it provides an in-depth look at how cutting-edge science can help answer historical questions that have lingered for more than two centuries.","image":"https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2160x2160+0+0/resize/3000/quality/66/format/jpg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc4%2F2e%2Fe17a8ba148dfa7b342774259dc2e%2F8b46f850-5907-4a5b-9c2d-db419533813c.jpg","date":"2026-10-06"}}