Exclusive: Historian David Barton Responds to Critics Amid ‘Jefferson Lies’ Book Controversy

Last week, numerous outlets broke the startling news that Thomas Nelson Publishers has canceled conservative historian David Barton’s book “The Jefferson Lies.” The publishing company is now claiming that the book — which like many of Barton’s projects encountered controversy and intense critique — has historical errors that were found to render it unsellable. In exclusive interviews with TheBlaze, Barton, one of his primary critics, and a representative from Thomas Nelson shed light on the ongoing controversy.

CONSERVATIVE CRITICS’ CLAIMS

The shocking decision to cut both distribution and sales of the book comes on the heels of a plethora of criticism that Barton has received from fellow conservative academics. Warren Throckmorton, a psychology professor at at Grove City College, is perhaps the leader of the pack when it comes to conservative evangelicals who have come out against Barton.

Throckmorton regularly blogs about what he sees as errors in the historian’s work; he also co-authored a book earlier this year entitled, “Getting Jefferson Right: Fact Checking Claims about Our Third President,” alongside professor Michael Coulter. This particular project was a direct reaction to “The Jefferson Lies,” and, in many ways, it can be argued that Throckmorton‘s attention on Barton’s work led to Thomas Nelson’s decision and to the fury of media attention that has followed.

Among the articles focused on the subject was one that was published in WORLD Magazine. The piece examined the controversy surrounding Barton’s views on Jefferson, while noting that some conservatives are growing increasingly worried about the historian’s views. It also noted that Jay W. Richards, senior fellow at the Discovery Institute, a right-leaning think tank, like Throckmorton has apparently taken steps to vet some of Barton’s past claims.

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