The Black Russian is the incredible true story of Frederick Bruce Thomas; born in 1872 to former slaves who became prosperous farmers in Mississippi. After his father was brutally murdered; Frederick left the South and worked as a waiter in Chicago and Brooklyn. Seeking greater freedom; he traveled to London; then crisscrossed Europe; and—in a highly unusual choice for a black American at the time—went to Russia.Because he found no color line there; Frederick settled in Moscow; becoming a rich and famous owner of variety theaters and restaurants. When the Bolshevik Revolution ruined him; he barely escaped to Constantinople; where he made another fortune by opening celebrated nightclubs as the "Sultan of Jazz." However; the long arm of American racism; the xenophobia of the new Turkish Republic; and Frederick’s own extravagance landed him in debtor’s prison. He died in Constantinople in 1928.
#367468 in Books Johns Hopkins University Press 2004-01-27 2004-01-27Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.50 x .86 x 6.25l; 1.10 #File Name: 0801878926384 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Great and Informative ReadBy Morton HughesThis is a very well written and researched book; about a united effort by several Indian Nations to challenge the British presence in their homelands. This war also saw the American Colonials confronting the British over the emerging status of Indians. This book documents the various Indian Nations cultures; customs and religious beliefs. The author documents clearly the differences between how good the French treated the Nations; and how bad the English treated them. What is most impressive is just how effective the Indian Nations were in cutting the lines of communication and supply; as well as using psychological warfare against the British to prevent retaliation. The achievements of Indian Nations were great in cooperating with one another over vast distances; eliminating all British forts and posts except Forts Detroit and Pitt; and how close the Nations came to victory. Also documented is the use by the British of Smallpox as Germ warfare; and why the Battle of Bushy Run was NOT as history treats it; a heroic British victory; nor the decisive battle of the war. Pontiac's War demonstrated how little the arrogant British cared or did to establish good relations with the American Indians and how the incomplete peace results would cause the Indians to rise again under Tecumseh in 1811.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Well written; thouroughly researched and highly informative.By Kerry BrownWell written; thouroughly researched and highly informative. An entertaining romp through early pre-America history as well as a vivid potrayal in the lives of the American Indian.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Andy lillergreat
