Buried Lives

Praise

“a riveting work of illustrated nonfiction”—The Wall Street Journal


* “Relying on extensive research, McClafferty provides an alternative history to the existing, too-often idealized founding fathers’ mythology. Beyond the biographies, McClafferty continues with “And Then What Happened?,” culling additional information about the descendants of the six slaves. She devotes multiple chapters to the recent archeological reclamation and restoration of the unmarked, untended burial site of Mount Vernon’s enslaved and further illuminates her words with drawings, maps, newspaper clippings, photographs and other relevant documents that enhance an already compelling narrative. McCafferty’s Buried Lives is a long overdue, careful testimony for a new generation of questioning, challenging readers.”—Shelf Awareness, Starred Review


“A monumental book about the lives of the slaves that lived and worked at George Washington’s Mount Vernon”—Kirkus Reviews


“Many books have been written about George Washington, it’s hard to believe there can be a genuinely fresh take on his life, but Buried Lives is an entirely new take on his experience at Mount Vernon—Washington’s estate. . . . McClafferty’s writings are lively, and she uses excellent storytelling techniques. The section on the archaeological work going on today is fascinating.” —Manhattan Book Review