Our understanding of diversity and marginalization in the early United States is recast through the life of one of the early republics most enigmatic figures.

In the field of American history, John Randolph of Roanoke is chiefly remembered for his political career. This book reconsiders Randolph as a key figure for modern-day scholars considering such topics as marginalization and diversity in the early US. Akroyd offers thematic re-readings of certain aspects of Randolph's biography through the lens of current critical concepts, including race, ethnicity, and marginalization; gender and sexuality; disability; and mental health. The project will address distinct aspects of Randolph's life, resting on three core components: ethnicity, sexuality, and disability. It provides a fresh take on Randolph's history and what his life can tell us about early US history.