The third volume in Dumas Malone's distinguished study of Thomas Jefferson and his time deals with one of the most fascinating and controversial periods of Jefferson's life. It includes the story of the final and most crucial phase of his secretaryship of state; his retirement to Monticello; his assuption of the leadership of the opposition party; and the crisis during the half-war with France when the existence of political opposition was threatened and the freedom of individuals imperiled.