ePub No More; No More: Slavery And Cultural Resistance In Havana And New Orleans by Daniel E. Walker in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A GOOD CHOICEBy NIECYTHIS IS AN EXCELLENT BOOK; IT ARRIVE IN TIME FOR MY PAPER TO WRITE. I WAS PLEASED TO HAVE PICKD THIS BOOK0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Thought-provoking and very interesting look into slave societyBy Hateem S.Daniel Walker's innovative study of urban slave society is a well-thought out and thought provoking book which paints a new picture of the image of the "slave." Where most of us are probably familiar with the plantation slave society (Walker also acknowledges this); Walker opens the book on the urban slave society in Havana and New Orleans. An in depth look into why Walker chose these two cities is key in understanding the purpose of his book and his hypotheses of the cultural resistance of the slave society. Walker divides his book into chapters based on an attack on the living condition of the slave; for example; the attack on "space" or family life of a slave. By fully describing the events that support his assertion for this attack; Walker then describes how the slave counteracted that. This is not to say that these counterattacks were violent slave; many times Walker interprets the actions of the slaves through eyewitness accounts of annual or weekly festivals. In other words; Walker uses an understanding of human nature to logically describe his belief.Overall; the book is a very enjoyable and fluid read. For one; it introduces the reader to a new slave society; and their culture (which Walker details); mostly comprised of festivals in these two cities. Thus; since both cities have a very similar festival; Walker links these two cities and the slaves within them in his book. Usually; history is a very bland topic to the uninterested; but Walker's book keeps the reader engaged through the lengthy facts; statistics; and quotes he uses to support his explanation. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in history and anyone who is remotely interested in reading up on a theory which delves into the minds of the slaves.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The truth behind slavery in the USBy Tristan H.This is an excellent book to read for those who have interest in the slave movement or for those who want to learn something new about US history. Walker supports his arguments with an in depth analysis of various primary and secondary sources including song lyrics; dance choreography; artistic symbols and figures; census data; manuscripts; journal entries; and scientific articles. Walker is a good historian and he knows his stuff. His sources are explained extensively in the historical context they are written. Walker's main premise is that urban slave societies maintained power and social control over blacks by defining physical spaces; preventing the formation of familial units; socially degrading the image of blacks and the racial concept of blackness; and destroying the idea of community among slaves and free blacks. Walker's other premise is that the black communities in these areas created and maintained institutions to contest the slave regime's dehumanizing social control objectives by using cultural practices in the form of public performances and festivals. Walker organizes No More No More; in an easy to read and follow structure. I am a high school student and the book kept me interested and involved. I liked the book because it gave interesting examples and it also explained a lot of misconceptions about slavery; slaveholders; and African slaves that I have been incorrectly taught in my history class. I also liked how the book made me want to learn more and do my own research about the true meanings behind slavery in the US and the actual human emotions that were felt by all who were affected by slavery. No More No More gets an A+ in my book.