From John Hope Franklin; America's foremost African American historian; comes this groundbreaking analysis of slave resistance and escape. A sweeping panorama of plantation life before the Civil War; this book reveals that slaves frequently rebelled against their masters and ran away from their plantations whenever they could. For generations; important aspects about slave life on the plantations of the American South have remained shrouded. Historians thought; for instance; that slaves were generally pliant and resigned to their roles as human chattel; and that racial violence on the plantation was an aberration. In this precedent setting book; John Hope Franklin and Loren Schweninger demonstrate that; contrary to popular belief; significant numbers of slaves did in fact frequently rebel against their masters and struggled to attain their freedom. By surveying a wealth of documents; such as planters' records; petitions to county courts and state legislatures; and local newspapers; this book shows how slaves resisted; when; where; and how they escaped; where they fled to; how long they remained in hiding; and how they survived away from the plantation. Of equal importance; it examines the reactions of the white slaveholding class; revealing how they marshaled considerable effort to prevent runaways; meted out severe punishments; and established patrols to hunt down escaped slaves. Reflecting a lifetime of thought by our leading authority in African American history; this book provides the key to truly understanding the relationship between slaveholders and the runaways who challenged the system--illuminating as never before the true nature of the South's "most peculiar institution."
#1765448 in Books 1989-12-14Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.50 x 1.70 x 4.56l; #File Name: 0195060865672 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Inspiring!By Joyce AmenThe Journals of Charlotte Forten Grimké prove to be a work of exquisite quality. I learnt of Mrs. Grimké via her relationship with Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (54th Massachusetts Regiment) and eventually became besotted with her writings. Indeed; she is an inspiration and has brought about further interest in the abolitionist movement. I have never delighted in the writings of another but hers!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Joseph H.Superb!6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Journals full of life and charmBy Michael J. Mazza"The Journals of Charlotte Forten Grimke" are an extraordinary human document. Brenda Stevenson edited the journals for the Schomburg Library of Nineteenth Century Black Women Writers. The introduction gives the basic facts about the author. She was born in 1837 into a wealthy; free African-American family in Philadelphia. She had a distinguished career as a writer; teacher; and activist before she died in Washington; DC in 1914. The journals span the years 1854-92.Grimke's writings offer a fascinating window into the 19th century U.S. Her own life and interests are vividly portrayed. It is particularly interesting how great a role the anti-slavery movement played in her life; this cause strikes me as one of her truly great passions. She also discusses at length the authors who had an impact on her: Nathaniel Hawthorne ("The Scarlet Letter" is praised as a "thrilling story"); Harriet Beecher Stowe; John Milton; John Greenleaf Whittier ("the 'Great Poet of Humanity'"); Charles Dickens; Homer (she prefers Cowper's translation of the "Iliad" to Pope's); and more. She even recalls seeing Ralph Waldo Emerson lecture in person.Later entries tell of her own work as a teacher. There are some interesting little episodes; such as an account of getting her daguerrotype taken. And she also writes frankly of her experience of racism.This volume includes a chronology of the author's life; a list of people who played a part in her life; and over 80 pages of endnotes. Charlotte's voice is wonderfully likeable: full of life and intelligence. In these journals she emerges as an inquisitive spirit with a hunger for knowledge and a passion for justice. I recommend this book to those interested in 19th century American history; women's studies; and/or African-American studies; or to those who simply love great books as much as Charlotte did.
