A complete analysis of the speeches and voting in the Virginia legislature during the 1831-1832 slavery debate--a debate fired by the violence of the Nat Turner insurrection.
#164642 in Books Beacon Press 2004-09-16 2004-09-16Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.97 x .74 x 6.01l; .98 #File Name: 0807050210273 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. A Truly Great BookBy jnadrigAuthor Stephen Puleo has done it again. In this book; he has taken a relatively obscure event and told us an incredible story. The historical part is expertly researched by him and full of insight not previously well known. He gives us the historical context of the times when this event took place and more than that; he describes the people victimized in this deadly incident and their life; their passions; their plights. We become one of them.In addition; he focuses on the evil conspirators of the entire incident; the ones dedicated to their quest for money and power and the unwitting spineless co-conspirators.I cannot tell what a page turner this book is and how surprisingly important the entire event became to me as I read it.Puleo never disappoints. His books are so well researched; his stories so intricate and detailed as a result.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A Moving Killer Wave of MolassesBy Mary Anne SheehyThis was a horror story. A defective tank; built in a hurry; for molasses which was shipped in and out of Boston to make alcohol; started leaking. Some of the little children living in close quarters to the tank were able to collect little dishes of molasses from the ground surrounding the tank. Yet; nothing was done for the sake of time and money.When the tank finally let go; the coast surrounding Boston Harbor was inundated with molasses ... people actually drowned in it. There were many deaths and loss of homes from the 45 foot tall wave of thick brown molasses and its ensuing flow through homes and streets.The author has written the only known book about this tragedy. It is written in great detail; including the legal aspects which finally brought to light the truth in a court battle.It is a tragedy and a thriller at the same time. One wonders HOW such a thing could exist in the first place. All is explained in the court proceedings that follow an excellent accounting of this tragedy. It is told in living color.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Enlightening in many waysBy Moon CatNot only does this book describe one of the most bizarre disasters that occurred; the failure of a hugh tank holding over 2 million gallons of molasses; but it gives a view of Boston and the USA prior to our entry into WWI. Our attitudes toward immigrants; big business; poverty; war; class consciousness and even the rum / molasses / slave trade. A look at the Anarchists and their actions is currently echoed by today's terrorists along with the government's reactions to them. There are other parallels that appear making this past tragedy surprising current. A very worthwhile read that grips you until the end. The author has done fine research; well documented and the bibliography is very interesting. One can see the cycle of no regulations; disaster; new regulations; memories fade regulations removed; and the looming next disaster to start it all again. Puts everything into a framework. Very educational.
