Few Americans; black or white; recognize the degree to which early African American history is a maritime history. W. Jeffrey Bolster shatters the myth that black seafaring in the age of sail was limited to the Middle Passage. Seafaring was one of the most significant occupations among both enslaved and free black men between 1740 and 1865. Tens of thousands of black seamen sailed on lofty clippers and modest coasters. They sailed in whalers; warships; and privateers. Some were slaves; forced to work at sea; but by 1800 most were free men; seeking liberty and economic opportunity aboard ship. Bolster brings an intimate understanding of the sea to this extraordinary chapter in the formation of black America. Because of their unusual mobility; sailors were the eyes and ears to worlds beyond the limited horizon of black communities ashore. Sometimes helping to smuggle slaves to freedom; they were more often a unique conduit for news and information of concern to blacks. But for all its opportunities; life at sea was difficult. Blacks actively contributed to the Atlantic maritime culture shared by all seamen; but were often outsiders within it. Capturing that tension; Black Jacks examines not only how common experiences drew black and white sailors together—even as deeply internalized prejudices drove them apart—but also how the meaning of race aboard ship changed with time. Bolster traces the story to the end of the Civil War; when emancipated blacks began to be systematically excluded from maritime work. Rescuing African American seamen from obscurity; this stirring account reveals the critical role sailors played in helping forge new identities for black people in America. An epic tale of the rise and fall of black seafaring; Black Jacks is African Americans’ freedom story presented from a fresh perspective.
#527540 in Books Geoffrey Hosking 2011-09-01 2011-08-08Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.24 x 1.54 x 6.39l; 2.11 #File Name: 0674061950752 pagesRussia and the Russians A History
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Complete history from pre-imperial Rus to Putin's Russian FederationBy William A. HeideckerOne of the best written books I’ve read and I’m an avid reader as well as someone who has always had an interest in Russia. The book is a joy to read. It is lengthy (622 pages plus notes and index). At this particular time (summer 2014); understanding Russian history and culture makes it easier to understand the basis for the Russian government’s actions and this book certainly does that. My only criticism is that Hosking uses Russian words (e.g.; artel); which he defines once; but then re-uses the words. I understand the author’s desire to use Russian words; some of which don’t always clearly translate into English; but a vocabulary appendix would help. I found it useful to build my own with the help of a Russian dictionary.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Informative and detailed.By VeronicaThe book ranges from every peace of history from Russia reaching from their farthest beginnings of Russia to the outcomes on the fall of the Soviet Union. In the very beginning it also describes Russia's geographical/agricultural status and then moves on to their steady development. I would highly recommend this book to anyone; whether you are doing research or just interested in history.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Everything I Never even Knew I wanted to Know about Russia and the Soviet Union.By Robert W. HarrisThis is a very readable and enjoyable book about every aspect of Russian Historyfrom the beginning of time through the collapse of the Soviet Union. This book explains the if-then phenomena of Russian and Slavic history.
