History By a Hair
by Richard Kurin
The definitive account of how a discarded strand of hair found in Thomas Jefferson’s Bible led to a sweeping, multi-year genomic investigation, drawing on technological advances in DNA to finally resolve a 200-year national controversy.
Features an introduction by Smithsonian secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III
– Penguin Random House, 2026
REVIEWS
“Written with the gravitas of history and the pace of a thriller, Richard Kurin’s landmark account is vital and compelling.”
—Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power
WORKING WITH LIZ
“Liz Welch, my talented writing, editing, and organizing collaborator, who worked closely with me as a readers’ advocate and deeply engaged partner to turn research, history, and text into a well-told story. Thank you Liz!”
– Richard Kurin