For hundreds of years; the biblical story of the Curse of Ham was marshalled as a justification of serfdom; slavery and human bondage. According to the myth; having seen his father Noah naked; Ham's is cursed to have his descendants be forever slaves. In this new book the Curse of Ham is explored in its Reformation context; revealing how it became the cornerstone of the Christian defence of slavery and the slave trade for the next four hundred years. It shows how broader medieval interpretations of the story became marginalized in the early modern period as writers such as Annius of Viterbo and George Best began to weave the legend of Ham into their own books; expanding and adding to the legend in ways that established a firm connection between Ham; Africa; slavery and race. For although in the original biblical text Ham himself is not cursed and race is never mentioned; these writers helped develop the story of Ham into an ideological and theological defence for African slavery; at the precise time that the Transatlantic Slave Trade began to establish itself as a major part of the European economy during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Skilfully weaving together elements of theology; literature and history; this book provides a fascinating insight into the ways that issues of religion; economics and race could collide in the Reformation world. It will prove essential reading; not only for those with an interest in early modern history; but for anyone wishing to try to comprehend the origins of arguments used to justify slavery and segregation right up to the 1960s.
#1834528 in Books 2002-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .77 x 7.96 x 10.58l; #File Name: 0752220357224 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This book has some excellent wreck and period photosBy Chuck KeezerThis book has some excellent wreck and period photos. The text deals with both the search for the wrecks of the Hood and Bismarck and gives a brief history of both ships. It clings to the notion that the fatal shot taken by HMS Hood penetrated the deck armor which is unlikely as the range between the two ships dictates a shot angle of no more than 14 degrees and possible a little as ten degrees. It also concludes that the bow separation on the wreck of the Hood was caused by a magazine explosion when there was no magazine in that area. I could pick on a couple of other items but even if you are into the minutiae as I am; the book is still worthwhile and a good addition to any nautical library.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Jack S.Fascinating underwater photography and a thorough account of the two ships.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. WWII Sea Battle - Atlantic TheaterBy Frederick JeeThis is a fascinating read about the iconic battle between the HOOD and the BISMARCK early in World War II.
