This compelling micro-history explores how the passage of the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 affected fugitive slaves; free blacks; abolitionists; and northern white citizens. The Jerry Rescue: The Fugitive Slave Law; Northern Rights; and the American Sectional Crisis is a narrative of the events surrounding the arrest of William "Jerry" Henry on October 1; 1851. Jerry; who thought he was to be charged with a minor infraction committed in Syracuse; went peacefully with the officials who arrested him; but he soon realized that he was in far more trouble than they had indicated. They were detaining him under the provisions of the recently passed Fugitive Slave Law of 1850; and federal officials intended to hold a hearing to determine whether Jerry would remain a free man in New York or if he would be sent to the slave state of Missouri as the property of John McReynolds; who claimed Jerry as his slave. Because of the actions of a variety of individuals in Syracuse; that hearing was abruptly cut short and Jerry was forcibly removed from the custody of his captors. The Jerry Rescue provides an absorbing narrative of the events that the arrest of Jerry set in motion; illuminates the motives and concerns of those who were involved in those events; and places the story in the wider context of the American sectional crisis. Examining such topics as northern defiance of the Fugitive Slave Law; the growth of sectional tension in the United States; antislavery debates about how best to attack the institution of slavery; black and white cooperation in the movement to end slavery; and the question of northern states' rights; The Jerry Rescue is eminently rich with historical details; clarity; and objective analysis.
#1231797 in Books 2011-08-30Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.50 x 1.30 x 9.30l; 1.55 #File Name: 0199836744432 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. It is an excellent commentary on the interpretation and application of the holy ...By Mohammad NawazIt is an excellent commentary on the interpretation and application of the holy book. The central theme is that the Quran has to be read; interpreted and understood not excludively in its historical context. It should also be understood to be conducive to the needs of modern society. Furthermore; no thinking person can deny that the Islamic scripture; considered by the Muslims as valid for all periods; must be interpreted and applied in accordance with the needs of the period in which we live. Otherwise it may not satisfy the claim of its universality for all times. Properly interpreted and understood it can be a guide for its followers within the framework of the changing times. Life is not a constant phenomenon and its needs; problems and solutions also require a dynamic perspective. Then the Quran can be a great force among Muslim societies to promote the wellbeing of people and human dignity without any distinction on the basis of religions. In that broader context; the philosophy and explanations in the book are valid even for the religions other than the three Abramic faiths.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An attempt at contemporary readingBy M Al-ShaerIn reading through the book the author gives a much needed historical narrative of the process of bridging the Quran to the non-Arabic speaking reader.The author also tries to present the Quran in a modern way through a contemporary reading.I think the reading although contemporary is not innovative and does not provide the reader with a complete system or way to read on his own. He still resorts to studying opinions of various scholars and choosing among them.To me; a native speaker of Arabic I didn't find it innovative and methodical enough. I would recommend the writings of Mohammad Shahrour although only one is available in English for free on the webShahrour.org0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Siraj I. MuftiZiauddin is always superb. Very well written.
