Jefferson and the Ordeal of Liberty, Paperback by Malone, Dumas, ISBN 0813923638, ISBN-13 9780813923635, Brand New, Free shipping in the US Jefferson and the Ordeal of Liberty Beginning with Jefferson’s final year of service as secretary of state in Washington’s cabinet, this volume takes on one of the most significant and controversial years in Jefferson’s life and indeed in modern Western history, while exploring Jefferson’s retirement to Monticello, his decision to lead the opposition party, and his own election as president in 1801.