On Nov. 28; 1858; a ship called the Wanderer slipped silently into a coastal channel and unloaded a cargo of over 400 African slaves onto Jekyll Island; Georgia; fifty years after the African slave trade had been made illegal. It was the last ship ever to bring a cargo of African slaves to American soil. The Wanderer began life as a luxury racing yacht; but within a year was secretly converted into a slave ship; and--using the pennant of the New York Yacht Club as a diversion--sailed off to Africa. More than a slaving venture; her journey defied the federal government and hurried the nation's descent into civil war. The New York Times first reported the story as a hoax; as groups of Africans began to appear in the small towns surrounding Savannah; however; the story of the Wanderer began to leak out; igniting a fire of protest and debate that made headlines throughout the nation and across the Atlantic.As the story shifts from New York City to Charleston; to the Congo River; Jekyll Island and finally Savannah; the Wanderer's tale is played out in the slave markets of Africa; the offices of the New York Times; heated Southern courtrooms; The White House; and some of the most charming homes Southern royalty had to offer. In a gripping account of the high seas and the high life in New York and Savannah; Erik Calonius brings to light one of the most important and little remembered stories of the Civil War period.
#3763939 in Books 2001-02-24Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .50 x 5.50l; .68 #File Name: 0312237030210 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very Brief History; Good DocumentsBy maethorwenWhen Brent Shaw says "a brief history"; he means brief.This could have used a bit more in the history part; especially on Spartacus and the revolt he led since his name is in the title of the work.While there was good information in the first part; to me the real strength of this work is the second part which contains translated primary sources.It is a useful source for anyone studying this period; but don't expect too much in the way of detail.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Brief but brilliantBy Justin MingusGreat and brief source on the Servile Wars/Spartacus.It truly is fascinating how few ancient sources remain. This would be a great supplementary source for any course on Roman history; as well as courses on Historiography/methodology.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good for historians and studentsBy Joseph H. TrochezI used this to great effect on a research paper I did on Spartacus. It had a lot information on Spartacus and the insurrection he led against Rome. I would recommend this if you are looking for a good source on Spartacus or you are simply interested in history.
