This moving story creates an empathy for negro slaves., 01 Sep 1999
This book was moving and a good summer reading book for students like myself in high school.

1sthand account of the evils of this "peculiar institution", 31 Aug 1999
This is a great book, and I feel everyone should read it. Iwasn't forced to read, but I chose to read it on my own in order to better understand the nation's injustices. Douglass' first hand account of slavery is one of the best sources. His writing isn't wordy or difficult to understand, either.

Great man, great book.

Outstanding read, 08 Jun 1999
I Read Douglass for an assignment in my college U.S. History class, and was almost dreading opening this book afraid that Douglass would blame every white person for his torment. Instead I found that Douglass knew the difference between the slave owners and the people who were trying to stop the practice. I finished this book in a matter of days, and respect Douglass as the extreamly brave man that he was. The paper I wrote reflected my outrage that such an occurance could have happened in this beautiful country.

Years ago, Adam Hochschild came across a reference to the "five to eight million lives" destroyed in the colonial exploitation of the Congo. Startled, he realised that this had been "one of the major killing grounds of modern times. Why were these deaths not mentioned in the standard litany of our century's horrors?" His corrective history makes sobering and gripping reading. In King Leopold of Belgium, who decided to buy himself an empire to compensate for his country's smallness, he portrays a villain of Shakespearian dimensions. Aided by Stanley (of "Mr Livingstone I Presume" fame) the king appropriated a section of central Africa the size of Western Europe as his personal territory. The appalling brutality that ensued, as Europeans plundered the country for rubber and ivory, is vividly captured by Hochschild. He manages to leaven the horror with touches of grotesque humour--for instance, when tricking tribal chiefs into signing away their land for bales of cloth, Stanley would, to impress his dupes, secrete a battery in his pocket with the wires in his palm, so that on shaking hands the chief "was greatly surprised to find his white brother so strong that he nearly knocked him off his feet". Hochschild has something of Simon Schama's gift for populist history; and among other things he provides astonishing background to Joseph Conrad's Congo-set masterpiece, Heart of Darkness. --Adam Roberts

This moving story creates an empathy for negro slaves., 01 Sep 1999
This book was moving and a good summer reading book for students like myself in high school.

1sthand account of the evils of this "peculiar institution", 31 Aug 1999
This is a great book, and I feel everyone should read it. Iwasn't forced to read, but I chose to read it on my own in order to better understand the nation's injustices. Douglass' first hand account of slavery is one of the best sources. His writing isn't wordy or difficult to understand, either.

Great man, great book.

Outstanding read, 08 Jun 1999
I Read Douglass for an assignment in my college U.S. History class, and was almost dreading opening this book afraid that Douglass would blame every white person for his torment. Instead I found that Douglass knew the difference between the slave owners and the people who were trying to stop the practice. I finished this book in a matter of days, and respect Douglass as the extreamly brave man that he was. The paper I wrote reflected my outrage that such an occurance could have happened in this beautiful country.

Leopold II: King Of The Congo, King Of Hell, 22 Sep 2008
This is a stunning account of Belgium's King Leopold II's rape and plunder of the Congo. His agents and officials dealt misery and death to millions of Congolese and subjugated the unfortunate natives with ferocious brutality. Meanwhile the King of the Congo (and Belgium) got fat off the staggering profits of ivory and rubber. This greedy consuming devil was master of planting friendly stories in the western press, cajoling, bribing, threatening and shouting to the world how much good he was doing in the Congo. Fortunately you can't fool all the people all the time. A group of very brave men (some who paid with their lives) soon expose the truth and hellish conditions of the the Congolese. Under severe pressure Leopold gifts (sells) the Congo to Belgium for a considerable sum. Half a century later after Belgium is forced to grant independence, the CIA assassinate the prime minister. A gruesome start for the young country.

The story is as upsetting as it is distasteful. Sad, sad, sad. The civilized shown up for their raw animism and the "uncivilized" pay the price for being behind the curve. I visited the Central Africa museum in Brussels shortly after finishing this book. It is truly frightening how the Belgians place virtually all blame on a few colluding chiefs and the competing Arab slave traders. It is said that history is written by the victors and state versions are the worst - nothing but brazen propaganda. With luck some day the Congolese will tell their own story. In the meantime, Hochschild does a wonderful job.

An emotional introduction to the history of Colonialism, 01 Sep 2008
I bought this book in a small dusty bookstore in an out of the way town, after reading Barbara Kingsolver's 'The Poisonwood Bible', set in the Congo and following the lives of an American Missionary and his family. I didn't imagine that I would be as moved as I have been having finished Adam Hochschild's book, and now understand so much more about the legacy of colonialism, not just in the Congo, but across the world. Sure, it's written in an easy to understand and follow format which undoubtedly skims certain events, and it's moralising tone does detract a little from other European and American atrocities elsewhere - but this leaves me with a strong desire to now seek out literature which helps me to understand the bigger picture.

I live in a British Overseas Protectorate where the roots of colonialism are still strong, and will be recommending this book to everyone here.

excellent, 25 May 2008
Not sure where some of the other reviewers are coming from on this book. It is first rate: entertaining, informative, well written. A real page turner. I live in Belgium and am familiar with some of the issues the book is concerned with, particularly the absence of any collective guilt about where so much of the money that built so many monuments actually came from. Strongly recommended if you enjoy reading and want to be educated at the same time....

Cursed with Wealth, 21 Apr 2008
The coldly-executed, bloody-minded exploitation of the Congo by King Leopold and his business partners is a story well-worth repeating. At times his conduct is so disgraceful as to force one to a variety of admiration. The ruthless self-interest has surely been a model for later exploiters of Africa (of whatever hue) but few can have stolen as much (once adjusted for current prices) as the King. Such a great evil summoned forth worthy opponents though at all stages they seem to have had to break through disbelief before they could get on the King's wavelength. The King's ability to understand and exploit European sentiment required his arch-opponent E.D.Morel to raise his game. This is a sorry tale, well-told by its author. However, it is really not quite as unknown as the puffery claims. Hochschild has not discovered a forgotten Holocaust, but he has kept its disgraceful memory "bright".

This should be read , 04 Nov 2006
This is an important book that really should be on School curriculums everywhere. If you're thinking of visiting or going to work in Africa you should read this book. It is written in an accessible and non academic way that will appeal to students and casual readers alike. A genocide almost still in living memory and but largely forgotten by the mainstream. Reading this book it helped me understand the Africa of today and how it is possible to see a direct relation between the action of the colonizers of yesterday and the mass apathy and western collusion in more recent and contemporary African genocides. However there is also a story of hope here as this book is also a exploration of how ordinary people (both black and white) came together to bring about social change.

This moving story creates an empathy for negro slaves., 01 Sep 1999
This book was moving and a good summer reading book for students like myself in high school.

1sthand account of the evils of this "peculiar institution", 31 Aug 1999
This is a great book, and I feel everyone should read it. Iwasn't forced to read, but I chose to read it on my own in order to better understand the nation's injustices. Douglass' first hand account of slavery is one of the best sources. His writing isn't wordy or difficult to understand, either.

Great man, great book.

Outstanding read, 08 Jun 1999
I Read Douglass for an assignment in my college U.S. History class, and was almost dreading opening this book afraid that Douglass would blame every white person for his torment. Instead I found that Douglass knew the difference between the slave owners and the people who were trying to stop the practice. I finished this book in a matter of days, and respect Douglass as the extreamly brave man that he was. The paper I wrote reflected my outrage that such an occurance could have happened in this beautiful country.

Leopold II: King Of The Congo, King Of Hell, 22 Sep 2008
This is a stunning account of Belgium's King Leopold II's rape and plunder of the Congo. His agents and officials dealt misery and death to millions of Congolese and subjugated the unfortunate natives with ferocious brutality. Meanwhile the King of the Congo (and Belgium) got fat off the staggering profits of ivory and rubber. This greedy consuming devil was master of planting friendly stories in the western press, cajoling, bribing, threatening and shouting to the world how much good he was doing in the Congo. Fortunately you can't fool all the people all the time. A group of very brave men (some who paid with their lives) soon expose the truth and hellish conditions of the the Congolese. Under severe pressure Leopold gifts (sells) the Congo to Belgium for a considerable sum. Half a century later after Belgium is forced to grant independence, the CIA assassinate the prime minister. A gruesome start for the young country.

The story is as upsetting as it is distasteful. Sad, sad, sad. The civilized shown up for their raw animism and the "uncivilized" pay the price for being behind the curve. I visited the Central Africa museum in Brussels shortly after finishing this book. It is truly frightening how the Belgians place virtually all blame on a few colluding chiefs and the competing Arab slave traders. It is said that history is written by the victors and state versions are the worst - nothing but brazen propaganda. With luck some day the Congolese will tell their own story. In the meantime, Hochschild does a wonderful job.

An emotional introduction to the history of Colonialism, 01 Sep 2008
I bought this book in a small dusty bookstore in an out of the way town, after reading Barbara Kingsolver's 'The Poisonwood Bible', set in the Congo and following the lives of an American Missionary and his family. I didn't imagine that I would be as moved as I have been having finished Adam Hochschild's book, and now understand so much more about the legacy of colonialism, not just in the Congo, but across the world. Sure, it's written in an easy to understand and follow format which undoubtedly skims certain events, and it's moralising tone does detract a little from other European and American atrocities elsewhere - but this leaves me with a strong desire to now seek out literature which helps me to understand the bigger picture.

I live in a British Overseas Protectorate where the roots of colonialism are still strong, and will be recommending this book to everyone here.

excellent, 25 May 2008
Not sure where some of the other reviewers are coming from on this book. It is first rate: entertaining, informative, well written. A real page turner. I live in Belgium and am familiar with some of the issues the book is concerned with, particularly the absence of any collective guilt about where so much of the money that built so many monuments actually came from. Strongly recommended if you enjoy reading and want to be educated at the same time....

Cursed with Wealth, 21 Apr 2008
The coldly-executed, bloody-minded exploitation of the Congo by King Leopold and his business partners is a story well-worth repeating. At times his conduct is so disgraceful as to force one to a variety of admiration. The ruthless self-interest has surely been a model for later exploiters of Africa (of whatever hue) but few can have stolen as much (once adjusted for current prices) as the King. Such a great evil summoned forth worthy opponents though at all stages they seem to have had to break through disbelief before they could get on the King's wavelength. The King's ability to understand and exploit European sentiment required his arch-opponent E.D.Morel to raise his game. This is a sorry tale, well-told by its author. However, it is really not quite as unknown as the puffery claims. Hochschild has not discovered a forgotten Holocaust, but he has kept its disgraceful memory "bright".

This should be read , 04 Nov 2006
This is an important book that really should be on School curriculums everywhere. If you're thinking of visiting or going to work in Africa you should read this book. It is written in an accessible and non academic way that will appeal to students and casual readers alike. A genocide almost still in living memory and but largely forgotten by the mainstream. Reading this book it helped me understand the Africa of today and how it is possible to see a direct relation between the action of the colonizers of yesterday and the mass apathy and western collusion in more recent and contemporary African genocides. However there is also a story of hope here as this book is also a exploration of how ordinary people (both black and white) came together to bring about social change.

A personal and intimate view of slavery, 29 Oct 2008
In the words of a born slave, who after a decade-long struggle achieves freedom, written to women of her own time, Linda Brent writes of her life in slavery and her long plight towards freedom.

Her experiences rise from the page and are now grounded in my memory. There are experiences of ruthless masters and mistresses, but also of family and friends, deep trust and helpfulness.

The strength of this autobiography is the author's use of her own words, shaped my time, culture, and the wish to protect certain parties.

I learned from this book, which gives a personal and intimate view at slavery and The United States circa 1860. Recommendable.

Louise.

Gripping and realistic, 28 May 1999
I've read this book a few times over the years. The first being for a college course. It stayed with me then as it did each and every time I've read it. I highly recommend this novel as it is so frighteningly realistic and poignant. I have found myself many times recommending this novel to friends and family. It is rich in culture, history and plot. I highly recommend it.

A frustrating story about a slave's 9 year escape to freedom, 03 Dec 1998
I had to read this book for school, and I was impressed with some of it. The tone was realistic and believable, and the characters were interesting. But the plot was slow, the book is 200 pages long, and the main character's passive nature makes you want to scream. I don't recommend this book for free reading, but as a slave narrative it meets it's purpose of telling the public about the horrors of slavery. I give it three stars.

A Lesson From the Heart, 20 Sep 1998
It took me a few days to track down this book, but thankfully, Amazom.Com had it, and was able to send it to me within a few days. I picked it up, expecting to be a long, dry read as most of the fiction (not just slave narratives, mind you) has a tendency to take on such characteristics. Just the style of the period, I suppose.

Boy, was I surprised. Harriet Jacobs, writing under a pseudonym, published this book in 1861 after spending many, many years in hiding from her "master," Dr. Charles Flint, a lecherous, sexually-aggressive man determined to break her spirit. Seven years in a cramped, ten-by-seven foot attic crawlspace, however, did little to crush this woman, for she not only managed to escape North Carolina herself, but her children and uncle escaped as well. Her grandmother, freed when she was fifty years old upon the death of her mistress, died during Jacobs' exile in Boston.

What I most enjoyed about this text was its style and frankness with the material. Written as a part slave narrative, part journal, and part epistle to the reader, Incidents tells a remarkable tale of the callousness of white men to slaves, who were deemed subhuman and ignorant. Harriet Jacobs demonstrates an enormous capacity for intelligence through her careful, brutally honest memoirs. Although the names of friends, family, and enemies were changed, perhaps to protect the innocent, perhaps to protect the guilty, there is no doubt in my mind that the horrors Jacobs describes occurred, and while my family arrived in America at the early part of this century, I still experienced a great embarassment and shame. Not because I had anything to do with those horrid crimes. No... I feel shame because I know it still continues today, and it saddens my heart to know it will probably continue tomorrow.

Rest in peace, Harriet Jacobs.

This moving story creates an empathy for negro slaves., 01 Sep 1999
This book was moving and a good summer reading book for students like myself in high school.

1sthand account of the evils of this "peculiar institution", 31 Aug 1999
This is a great book, and I feel everyone should read it. Iwasn't forced to read, but I chose to read it on my own in order to better understand the nation's injustices. Douglass' first hand account of slavery is one of the best sources. His writing isn't wordy or difficult to understand, either.

Great man, great book.

Outstanding read, 08 Jun 1999
I Read Douglass for an assignment in my college U.S. History class, and was almost dreading opening this book afraid that Douglass would blame every white person for his torment. Instead I found that Douglass knew the difference between the slave owners and the people who were trying to stop the practice. I finished this book in a matter of days, and respect Douglass as the extreamly brave man that he was. The paper I wrote reflected my outrage that such an occurance could have happened in this beautiful country.

Leopold II: King Of The Congo, King Of Hell, 22 Sep 2008
This is a stunning account of Belgium's King Leopold II's rape and plunder of the Congo. His agents and officials dealt misery and death to millions of Congolese and subjugated the unfortunate natives with ferocious brutality. Meanwhile the King of the Congo (and Belgium) got fat off the staggering profits of ivory and rubber. This greedy consuming devil was master of planting friendly stories in the western press, cajoling, bribing, threatening and shouting to the world how much good he was doing in the Congo. Fortunately you can't fool all the people all the time. A group of very brave men (some who paid with their lives) soon expose the truth and hellish conditions of the the Congolese. Under severe pressure Leopold gifts (sells) the Congo to Belgium for a considerable sum. Half a century later after Belgium is forced to grant independence, the CIA assassinate the prime minister. A gruesome start for the young country.

The story is as upsetting as it is distasteful. Sad, sad, sad. The civilized shown up for their raw animism and the "uncivilized" pay the price for being behind the curve. I visited the Central Africa museum in Brussels shortly after finishing this book. It is truly frightening how the Belgians place virtually all blame on a few colluding chiefs and the competing Arab slave traders. It is said that history is written by the victors and state versions are the worst - nothing but brazen propaganda. With luck some day the Congolese will tell their own story. In the meantime, Hochschild does a wonderful job.

An emotional introduction to the history of Colonialism, 01 Sep 2008
I bought this book in a small dusty bookstore in an out of the way town, after reading Barbara Kingsolver's 'The Poisonwood Bible', set in the Congo and following the lives of an American Missionary and his family. I didn't imagine that I would be as moved as I have been having finished Adam Hochschild's book, and now understand so much more about the legacy of colonialism, not just in the Congo, but across the world. Sure, it's written in an easy to understand and follow format which undoubtedly skims certain events, and it's moralising tone does detract a little from other European and American atrocities elsewhere - but this leaves me with a strong desire to now seek out literature which helps me to understand the bigger picture.

I live in a British Overseas Protectorate where the roots of colonialism are still strong, and will be recommending this book to everyone here.

excellent, 25 May 2008
Not sure where some of the other reviewers are coming from on this book. It is first rate: entertaining, informative, well written. A real page turner. I live in Belgium and am familiar with some of the issues the book is concerned with, particularly the absence of any collective guilt about where so much of the money that built so many monuments actually came from. Strongly recommended if you enjoy reading and want to be educated at the same time....

Cursed with Wealth, 21 Apr 2008
The coldly-executed, bloody-minded exploitation of the Congo by King Leopold and his business partners is a story well-worth repeating. At times his conduct is so disgraceful as to force one to a variety of admiration. The ruthless self-interest has surely been a model for later exploiters of Africa (of whatever hue) but few can have stolen as much (once adjusted for current prices) as the King. Such a great evil summoned forth worthy opponents though at all stages they seem to have had to break through disbelief before they could get on the King's wavelength. The King's ability to understand and exploit European sentiment required his arch-opponent E.D.Morel to raise his game. This is a sorry tale, well-told by its author. However, it is really not quite as unknown as the puffery claims. Hochschild has not discovered a forgotten Holocaust, but he has kept its disgraceful memory "bright".

This should be read , 04 Nov 2006
This is an important book that really should be on School curriculums everywhere. If you're thinking of visiting or going to work in Africa you should read this book. It is written in an accessible and non academic way that will appeal to students and casual readers alike. A genocide almost still in living memory and but largely forgotten by the mainstream. Reading this book it helped me understand the Africa of today and how it is possible to see a direct relation between the action of the colonizers of yesterday and the mass apathy and western collusion in more recent and contemporary African genocides. However there is also a story of hope here as this book is also a exploration of how ordinary people (both black and white) came together to bring about social change.

A personal and intimate view of slavery, 29 Oct 2008
In the words of a born slave, who after a decade-long struggle achieves freedom, written to women of her own time, Linda Brent writes of her life in slavery and her long plight towards freedom.

Her experiences rise from the page and are now grounded in my memory. There are experiences of ruthless masters and mistresses, but also of family and friends, deep trust and helpfulness.

The strength of this autobiography is the author's use of her own words, shaped my time, culture, and the wish to protect certain parties.

I learned from this book, which gives a personal and intimate view at slavery and The United States circa 1860. Recommendable.

Louise.

Gripping and realistic, 28 May 1999
I've read this book a few times over the years. The first being for a college course. It stayed with me then as it did each and every time I've read it. I highly recommend this novel as it is so frighteningly realistic and poignant. I have found myself many times recommending this novel to friends and family. It is rich in culture, history and plot. I highly recommend it.

A frustrating story about a slave's 9 year escape to freedom, 03 Dec 1998
I had to read this book for school, and I was impressed with some of it. The tone was realistic and believable, and the characters were interesting. But the plot was slow, the book is 200 pages long, and the main character's passive nature makes you want to scream. I don't recommend this book for free reading, but as a slave narrative it meets it's purpose of telling the public about the horrors of slavery. I give it three stars.

A Lesson From the Heart, 20 Sep 1998
It took me a few days to track down this book, but thankfully, Amazom.Com had it, and was able to send it to me within a few days. I picked it up, expecting to be a long, dry read as most of the fiction (not just slave narratives, mind you) has a tendency to take on such characteristics. Just the style of the period, I suppose.

Boy, was I surprised. Harriet Jacobs, writing under a pseudonym, published this book in 1861 after spending many, many years in hiding from her "master," Dr. Charles Flint, a lecherous, sexually-aggressive man determined to break her spirit. Seven years in a cramped, ten-by-seven foot attic crawlspace, however, did little to crush this woman, for she not only managed to escape North Carolina herself, but her children and uncle escaped as well. Her grandmother, freed when she was fifty years old upon the death of her mistress, died during Jacobs' exile in Boston.

What I most enjoyed about this text was its style and frankness with the material. Written as a part slave narrative, part journal, and part epistle to the reader, Incidents tells a remarkable tale of the callousness of white men to slaves, who were deemed subhuman and ignorant. Harriet Jacobs demonstrates an enormous capacity for intelligence through her careful, brutally honest memoirs. Although the names of friends, family, and enemies were changed, perhaps to protect the innocent, perhaps to protect the guilty, there is no doubt in my mind that the horrors Jacobs describes occurred, and while my family arrived in America at the early part of this century, I still experienced a great embarassment and shame. Not because I had anything to do with those horrid crimes. No... I feel shame because I know it still continues today, and it saddens my heart to know it will probably continue tomorrow.

Rest in peace, Harriet Jacobs.

well, actually..., 27 Jul 2006
I'd just like to add that one of the main reasons for the air of authenticity that this book carries, is that it's a true story, compiled from interviews given by the real-life Clotee when she was an old, free, woman. This is not a work of fiction, and the dignity , courage and humility of Clotee shines through with every page.
Inspiring stuff.

Well written and informative, 27 Mar 2006
Taking the form of a diary and spanning just over a year, this book follows the life of a young slave girl working in the "Big House" on a farm in Virginia in 1859.
Life is hard for Clotee: Although only 12yrs old, she works from dawn til dusk, at the constant call of her mistress.
She learns to read while fanning her mistress's son, also 12yrs, during his lessons. Slaves are not permitted any education and she has to keep her learning secret for fear of severe punishment.
However, the wind of change is blowing and 200yrs of slavery is nearing its end. Clotee gets involved with the abolitionists, helping others to reach freedom in Canada.
As an adult reader, I find some young adult books a bit patronising, this, however was well written and very interesting.

Diary of a fictional young slave girl., 31 Jul 2005
This book was originally published as "A Picture of Freedom," and was part of the Dear America series, fictional diaries of young girls during American history. This book tells the story of a young slave girl who longs for freedom just before the Civil War.

The year is 1859. Clotee has lived all twelve years of her life as a slave on the Belmont Plantation in Virginia. Although she has known no life other than that of a slave, she has secretly learned how to read and write, and that ability gives her a glimpse of the world out there. To practice, she keeps a secret diary that she hides in a hollowed-out tree. An orphan most of her life, Clotee has managed to make the best of her circumstances, and writing is one of the few things that brings her any joy. When a tutor comes to the plantation to teach the master's young son, Clotee figures that he'll just be another prejudiced southerner. But he's an abolitionist that further expands Clotee's horizons, and he may be able to give her the one thing she longs for: freedom.

This was a wonderful book that brought to life the world of a young slave girl in the pre Civil War south. Clotee came alive and seemed like a real person with real hopes and dreams. I highly recommend this book to young readers with an interest in American history.

Writer and journalist Giles Milton specializes in the history of travel and exploration. His latest literary adventure, White Gold, is the story of Thomas Pellow, a Cornish cabin boy who was captured at sea by a group of fanatical Islamic slave traders—the Barbary corsairs, taken in chains to the great slave markets of Algiers, Tunis and Salè in Morocco and sold to the highest bidder. Pellow's purchaser happened to be the tyrannical sultan of Morroco, Moulay Ismail, a man committed to building a vast imperial pleasure palace of unsurpassable splendour built entirely by Christian slave labour. After enduring long periods of torture Pellow converted to Islam and became the personal slave of the sultan for over two decades—including a stint as a soldier in the sultan's army—before finally making a dramatic escape and return to Cornwall. The account is supported by the unpublished letters and manuscripts of slaves and the various ambassadors sent to free them. This is an excellently written account of the history of the white slave trade. Pellow's story is an extraordinary one but the real interest lies in the picture Milton builds of life in the slave pens and especially of daily life at the court of the spectacularly barbaric Moulay Ismail. --Larry Brown

This moving story creates an empathy for negro slaves., 01 Sep 1999
This book was moving and a good summer reading book for students like myself in high school.

1sthand account of the evils of this "peculiar institution", 31 Aug 1999
This is a great book, and I feel everyone should read it. Iwasn't forced to read, but I chose to read it on my own in order to better understand the nation's injustices. Douglass' first hand account of slavery is one of the best sources. His writing isn't wordy or difficult to understand, either.

Great man, great book.

Outstanding read, 08 Jun 1999
I Read Douglass for an assignment in my college U.S. History class, and was almost dreading opening this book afraid that Douglass would blame every white person for his torment. Instead I found that Douglass knew the difference between the slave owners and the people who were trying to stop the practice. I finished this book in a matter of days, and respect Douglass as the extreamly brave man that he was. The paper I wrote reflected my outrage that such an occurance could have happened in this beautiful country.

Leopold II: King Of The Congo, King Of Hell, 22 Sep 2008
This is a stunning account of Belgium's King Leopold II's rape and plunder of the Congo. His agents and officials dealt misery and death to millions of Congolese and subjugated the unfortunate natives with ferocious brutality. Meanwhile the King of the Congo (and Belgium) got fat off the staggering profits of ivory and rubber. This greedy consuming devil was master of planting friendly stories in the western press, cajoling, bribing, threatening and shouting to the world how much good he was doing in the Congo. Fortunately you can't fool all the people all the time. A group of very brave men (some who paid with their lives) soon expose the truth and hellish conditions of the the Congolese. Under severe pressure Leopold gifts (sells) the Congo to Belgium for a considerable sum. Half a century later after Belgium is forced to grant independence, the CIA assassinate the prime minister. A gruesome start for the young country.

The story is as upsetting as it is distasteful. Sad, sad, sad. The civilized shown up for their raw animism and the "uncivilized" pay the price for being behind the curve. I visited the Central Africa museum in Brussels shortly after finishing this book. It is truly frightening how the Belgians place virtually all blame on a few colluding chiefs and the competing Arab slave traders. It is said that history is written by the victors and state versions are the worst - nothing but brazen propaganda. With luck some day the Congolese will tell their own story. In the meantime, Hochschild does a wonderful job.

An emotional introduction to the history of Colonialism, 01 Sep 2008
I bought this book in a small dusty bookstore in an out of the way town, after reading Barbara Kingsolver's 'The Poisonwood Bible', set in the Congo and following the lives of an American Missionary and his family. I didn't imagine that I would be as moved as I have been having finished Adam Hochschild's book, and now understand so much more about the legacy of colonialism, not just in the Congo, but across the world. Sure, it's written in an easy to understand and follow format which undoubtedly skims certain events, and it's moralising tone does detract a little from other European and American atrocities elsewhere - but this leaves me with a strong desire to now seek out literature which helps me to understand the bigger picture.

I live in a British Overseas Protectorate where the roots of colonialism are still strong, and will be recommending this book to everyone here.

excellent, 25 May 2008
Not sure where some of the other reviewers are coming from on this book. It is first rate: entertaining, informative, well written. A real page turner. I live in Belgium and am familiar with some of the issues the book is concerned with, particularly the absence of any collective guilt about where so much of the money that built so many monuments actually came from. Strongly recommended if you enjoy reading and want to be educated at the same time....

Cursed with Wealth, 21 Apr 2008
The coldly-executed, bloody-minded exploitation of the Congo by King Leopold and his business partners is a story well-worth repeating. At times his conduct is so disgraceful as to force one to a variety of admiration. The ruthless self-interest has surely been a model for later exploiters of Africa (of whatever hue) but few can have stolen as much (once adjusted for current prices) as the King. Such a great evil summoned forth worthy opponents though at all stages they seem to have had to break through disbelief before they could get on the King's wavelength. The King's ability to understand and exploit European sentiment required his arch-opponent E.D.Morel to raise his game. This is a sorry tale, well-told by its author. However, it is really not quite as unknown as the puffery claims. Hochschild has not discovered a forgotten Holocaust, but he has kept its disgraceful memory "bright".

This should be read , 04 Nov 2006
This is an important book that really should be on School curriculums everywhere. If you're thinking of visiting or going to work in Africa you should read this book. It is written in an accessible and non academic way that will appeal to students and casual readers alike. A genocide almost still in living memory and but largely forgotten by the mainstream. Reading this book it helped me understand the Africa of today and how it is possible to see a direct relation between the action of the colonizers of yesterday and the mass apathy and western collusion in more recent and contemporary African genocides. However there is also a story of hope here as this book is also a exploration of how ordinary people (both black and white) came together to bring about social change.

A personal and intimate view of slavery, 29 Oct 2008
In the words of a born slave, who after a decade-long struggle achieves freedom, written to women of her own time, Linda Brent writes of her life in slavery and her long plight towards freedom.

Her experiences rise from the page and are now grounded in my memory. There are experiences of ruthless masters and mistresses, but also of family and friends, deep trust and helpfulness.

The strength of this autobiography is the author's use of her own words, shaped my time, culture, and the wish to protect certain parties.

I learned from this book, which gives a personal and intimate view at slavery and The United States circa 1860. Recommendable.

Louise.

Gripping and realistic, 28 May 1999
I've read this book a few times over the years. The first being for a college course. It stayed with me then as it did each and every time I've read it. I highly recommend this novel as it is so frighteningly realistic and poignant. I have found myself many times recommending this novel to friends and family. It is rich in culture, history and plot. I highly recommend it.

A frustrating story about a slave's 9 year escape to freedom, 03 Dec 1998
I had to read this book for school, and I was impressed with some of it. The tone was realistic and believable, and the characters were interesting. But the plot was slow, the book is 200 pages long, and the main character's passive nature makes you want to scream. I don't recommend this book for free reading, but as a slave narrative it meets it's purpose of telling the public about the horrors of slavery. I give it three stars.

A Lesson From the Heart, 20 Sep 1998
It took me a few days to track down this book, but thankfully, Amazom.Com had it, and was able to send it to me within a few days. I picked it up, expecting to be a long, dry read as most of the fiction (not just slave narratives, mind you) has a tendency to take on such characteristics. Just the style of the period, I suppose.

Boy, was I surprised. Harriet Jacobs, writing under a pseudonym, published this book in 1861 after spending many, many years in hiding from her "master," Dr. Charles Flint, a lecherous, sexually-aggressive man determined to break her spirit. Seven years in a cramped, ten-by-seven foot attic crawlspace, however, did little to crush this woman, for she not only managed to escape North Carolina herself, but her children and uncle escaped as well. Her grandmother, freed when she was fifty years old upon the death of her mistress, died during Jacobs' exile in Boston.

What I most enjoyed about this text was its style and frankness with the material. Written as a part slave narrative, part journal, and part epistle to the reader, Incidents tells a remarkable tale of the callousness of white men to slaves, who were deemed subhuman and ignorant. Harriet Jacobs demonstrates an enormous capacity for intelligence through her careful, brutally honest memoirs. Although the names of friends, family, and enemies were changed, perhaps to protect the innocent, perhaps to protect the guilty, there is no doubt in my mind that the horrors Jacobs describes occurred, and while my family arrived in America at the early part of this century, I still experienced a great embarassment and shame. Not because I had anything to do with those horrid crimes. No... I feel shame because I know it still continues today, and it saddens my heart to know it will probably continue tomorrow.

Rest in peace, Harriet Jacobs.

well, actually..., 27 Jul 2006
I'd just like to add that one of the main reasons for the air of authenticity that this book carries, is that it's a true story, compiled from interviews given by the real-life Clotee when she was an old, free, woman. This is not a work of fiction, and the dignity , courage and humility of Clotee shines through with every page.
Inspiring stuff.

Well written and informative, 27 Mar 2006
Taking the form of a diary and spanning just over a year, this book follows the life of a young slave girl working in the "Big House" on a farm in Virginia in 1859.
Life is hard for Clotee: Although only 12yrs old, she works from dawn til dusk, at the constant call of her mistress.
She learns to read while fanning her mistress's son, also 12yrs, during his lessons. Slaves are not permitted any education and she has to keep her learning secret for fear of severe punishment.
However, the wind of change is blowing and 200yrs of slavery is nearing its end. Clotee gets involved with the abolitionists, helping others to reach freedom in Canada.
As an adult reader, I find some young adult books a bit patronising, this, however was well written and very interesting.

Diary of a fictional young slave girl., 31 Jul 2005
This book was originally published as "A Picture of Freedom," and was part of the Dear America series, fictional diaries of young girls during American history. This book tells the story of a young slave girl who longs for freedom just before the Civil War.

The year is 1859. Clotee has lived all twelve years of her life as a slave on the Belmont Plantation in Virginia. Although she has known no life other than that of a slave, she has secretly learned how to read and write, and that ability gives her a glimpse of the world out there. To practice, she keeps a secret diary that she hides in a hollowed-out tree. An orphan most of her life, Clotee has managed to make the best of her circumstances, and writing is one of the few things that brings her any joy. When a tutor comes to the plantation to teach the master's young son, Clotee figures that he'll just be another prejudiced southerner. But he's an abolitionist that further expands Clotee's horizons, and he may be able to give her the one thing she longs for: freedom.

This was a wonderful book that brought to life the world of a young slave girl in the pre Civil War south. Clotee came alive and seemed like a real person with real hopes and dreams. I highly recommend this book to young readers with an interest in American history.

The Moor's Revenge, 31 May 2008
I love Giles Milton's books. If you haven't read Nathaniel's Nutmeg or Samurai William, then do so.

I already knew a bit of this story - that Barbary corsairs raided the Cornish and Irish coasts in the seventeenth century for slaves, but I wasn't aware of the enormous scale of the Moroccan and Algerian white slave trade. Or that it continued up to the Congress of Vienna. And I had never heard of the dramatic incident that brought it to an end - a British fleet, massively armed thanks to Britain being in the first flush of the Industrial Revolution, pounding Algiers to rubble until the local sultan agreed to give up the trade.

And did you know that an abusive gesture used by Muslims to Christians was to raise the middle finger, to indicate that there was just one God? Anyway, a great read.


Remind the world..., 02 Apr 2008
Yet again written in a style that allows everyone to read it, Milton delivers. He has such an eye for the long forgotten but fascinating tale that it stands out as adventure and serious History with ease.
Long may such work continue as it allows you to have fun and make you feel like you have read a 'proper book' rather than a simple crowd pleaser.


Slavery was not all triangular trade, 12 Sep 2007
Truth stranger than fiction told about a little known historical story. If you have ever wondered about pub signs with Moorish heads, here is the answer. For centuries, European sea coast communities and our sailors were at risk from the Barbary Corsairs, Muslims from North Africa after their expulsion from Spain. This threat continued until ended by British naval "diplomacy" less than two centuries ago. Here you learn of brital Moulay Ismail building a palace to be bigger than contemporary Versailles with 100% white Christian slave labour. If anyone apostacised they received better treatment but lost their hope of ransom by any Christian nation. How Thomas Pellow endured this from captured cabin boy until he escaped after many years is a truly incredible story. Even more amazing is than a descendant should be the naval officer to end this barbarism. Read and learn.

History revisited, 11 Sep 2007
great read from much reasearch that broght a hell of a story together
my only wish would have been to have surviving details on the rest of his life

even his death date seems to be lost
yet another succesful book from this author

Excellent True story. Should be compulsory reading in all schools, 20 Aug 2007
An excellent Real life story of the horrors many White Europeans had to suffer at the hands of islamists. A piece of our history hidden from todays ignorant masses re told here in fascinating and enthralling detail. A truly great read.

This moving story creates an empathy for negro slaves., 01 Sep 1999
This book was moving and a good summer reading book for students like myself in high school.

1sthand account of the evils of this "peculiar institution", 31 Aug 1999
This is a great book, and I feel everyone should read it. Iwasn't forced to read, but I chose to read it on my own in order to better understand the nation's injustices. Douglass' first hand account of slavery is one of the best sources. His writing isn't wordy or difficult to understand, either.

Great man, great book.

Outstanding read, 08 Jun 1999
I Read Douglass for an assignment in my college U.S. History class, and was almost dreading opening this book afraid that Douglass would blame every white person for his torment. Instead I found that Douglass knew the difference between the slave owners and the people who were trying to stop the practice. I finished this book in a matter of days, and respect Douglass as the extreamly brave man that he was. The paper I wrote reflected my outrage that such an occurance could have happened in this beautiful country.

Leopold II: King Of The Congo, King Of Hell, 22 Sep 2008
This is a stunning account of Belgium's King Leopold II's rape and plunder of the Congo. His agents and officials dealt misery and death to millions of Congolese and subjugated the unfortunate natives with ferocious brutality. Meanwhile the King of the Congo (and Belgium) got fat off the staggering profits of ivory and rubber. This greedy consuming devil was master of planting friendly stories in the western press, cajoling, bribing, threatening and shouting to the world how much good he was doing in the Congo. Fortunately you can't fool all the people all the time. A group of very brave men (some who paid with their lives) soon expose the truth and hellish conditions of the the Congolese. Under severe pressure Leopold gifts (sells) the Congo to Belgium for a considerable sum. Half a century later after Belgium is forced to grant independence, the CIA assassinate the prime minister. A gruesome start for the young country.

The story is as upsetting as it is distasteful. Sad, sad, sad. The civilized shown up for their raw animism and the "uncivilized" pay the price for being behind the curve. I visited the Central Africa museum in Brussels shortly after finishing this book. It is truly frightening how the Belgians place virtually all blame on a few colluding chiefs and the competing Arab slave traders. It is said that history is written by the victors and state versions are the worst - nothing but brazen propaganda. With luck some day the Congolese will tell their own story. In the meantime, Hochschild does a wonderful job.

An emotional introduction to the history of Colonialism, 01 Sep 2008
I bought this book in a small dusty bookstore in an out of the way town, after reading Barbara Kingsolver's 'The Poisonwood Bible', set in the Congo and following the lives of an American Missionary and his family. I didn't imagine that I would be as moved as I have been having finished Adam Hochschild's book, and now understand so much more about the legacy of colonialism, not just in the Congo, but across the world. Sure, it's written in an easy to understand and follow format which undoubtedly skims certain events, and it's moralising tone does detract a little from other European and American atrocities elsewhere - but this leaves me with a strong desire to now seek out literature which helps me to understand the bigger picture.

I live in a British Overseas Protectorate where the roots of colonialism are still strong, and will be recommending this book to everyone here.

excellent, 25 May 2008
Not sure where some of the other reviewers are coming from on this book. It is first rate: entertaining, informative, well written. A real page turner. I live in Belgium and am familiar with some of the issues the book is concerned with, particularly the absence of any collective guilt about where so much of the money that built so many monuments actually came from. Strongly recommended if you enjoy reading and want to be educated at the same time....

Cursed with Wealth, 21 Apr 2008
The coldly-executed, bloody-minded exploitation of the Congo by King Leopold and his business partners is a story well-worth repeating. At times his conduct is so disgraceful as to force one to a variety of admiration. The ruthless self-interest has surely been a model for later exploiters of Africa (of whatever hue) but few can have stolen as much (once adjusted for current prices) as the King. Such a great evil summoned forth worthy opponents though at all stages they seem to have had to break through disbelief before they could get on the King's wavelength. The King's ability to understand and exploit European sentiment required his arch-opponent E.D.Morel to raise his game. This is a sorry tale, well-told by its author. However, it is really not quite as unknown as the puffery claims. Hochschild has not discovered a forgotten Holocaust, but he has kept its disgraceful memory "bright".

This should be read , 04 Nov 2006
This is an important book that really should be on School curriculums everywhere. If you're thinking of visiting or going to work in Africa you should read this book. It is written in an accessible and non academic way that will appeal to students and casual readers alike. A genocide almost still in living memory and but largely forgotten by the mainstream. Reading this book it helped me understand the Africa of today and how it is possible to see a direct relation between the action of the colonizers of yesterday and the mass apathy and western collusion in more recent and contemporary African genocides. However there is also a story of hope here as this book is also a exploration of how ordinary people (both black and white) came together to bring about social change.

A personal and intimate view of slavery, 29 Oct 2008
In the words of a born slave, who after a decade-long struggle achieves freedom, written to women of her own time, Linda Brent writes of her life in slavery and her long plight towards freedom.

Her experiences rise from the page and are now grounded in my memory. There are experiences of ruthless masters and mistresses, but also of family and friends, deep trust and helpfulness.

The strength of this autobiography is the author's use of her own words, shaped my time, culture, and the wish to protect certain parties.

I learned from this book, which gives a personal and intimate view at slavery and The United States circa 1860. Recommendable.

Louise.

Gripping and realistic, 28 May 1999
I've read this book a few times over the years. The first being for a college course. It stayed with me then as it did each and every time I've read it. I highly recommend this novel as it is so frighteningly realistic and poignant. I have found myself many times recommending this novel to friends and family. It is rich in culture, history and plot. I highly recommend it.

A frustrating story about a slave's 9 year escape to freedom, 03 Dec 1998
I had to read this book for school, and I was impressed with some of it. The tone was realistic and believable, and the characters were interesting. But the plot was slow, the book is 200 pages long, and the main character's passive nature makes you want to scream. I don't recommend this book for free reading, but as a slave narrative it meets it's purpose of telling the public about the horrors of slavery. I give it three stars.

A Lesson From the Heart, 20 Sep 1998
It took me a few days to track down this book, but thankfully, Amazom.Com had it, and was able to send it to me within a few days. I picked it up, expecting to be a long, dry read as most of the fiction (not just slave narratives, mind you) has a tendency to take on such characteristics. Just the style of the period, I suppose.

Boy, was I surprised. Harriet Jacobs, writing under a pseudonym, published this book in 1861 after spending many, many years in hiding from her "master," Dr. Charles Flint, a lecherous, sexually-aggressive man determined to break her spirit. Seven years in a cramped, ten-by-seven foot attic crawlspace, however, did little to crush this woman, for she not only managed to escape North Carolina herself, but her children and uncle escaped as well. Her grandmother, freed when she was fifty years old upon the death of her mistress, died during Jacobs' exile in Boston.

What I most enjoyed about this text was its style and frankness with the material. Written as a part slave narrative, part journal, and part epistle to the reader, Incidents tells a remarkable tale of the callousness of white men to slaves, who were deemed subhuman and ignorant. Harriet Jacobs demonstrates an enormous capacity for intelligence through her careful, brutally honest memoirs. Although the names of friends, family, and enemies were changed, perhaps to protect the innocent, perhaps to protect the guilty, there is no doubt in my mind that the horrors Jacobs describes occurred, and while my family arrived in America at the early part of this century, I still experienced a great embarassment and shame. Not because I had anything to do with those horrid crimes. No... I feel shame because I know it still continues today, and it saddens my heart to know it will probably continue tomorrow.

Rest in peace, Harriet Jacobs.

well, actually..., 27 Jul 2006
I'd just like to add that one of the main reasons for the air of authenticity that this book carries, is that it's a true story, compiled from interviews given by the real-life Clotee when she was an old, free, woman. This is not a work of fiction, and the dignity , courage and humility of Clotee shines through with every page.
Inspiring stuff.

Well written and informative, 27 Mar 2006
Taking the form of a diary and spanning just over a year, this book follows the life of a young slave girl working in the "Big House" on a farm in Virginia in 1859.
Life is hard for Clotee: Although only 12yrs old, she works from dawn til dusk, at the constant call of her mistress.
She learns to read while fanning her mistress's son, also 12yrs, during his lessons. Slaves are not permitted any education and she has to keep her learning secret for fear of severe punishment.
However, the wind of change is blowing and 200yrs of slavery is nearing its end. Clotee gets involved with the abolitionists, helping others to reach freedom in Canada.
As an adult reader, I find some young adult books a bit patronising, this, however was well written and very interesting.

Diary of a fictional young slave girl., 31 Jul 2005
This book was originally published as "A Picture of Freedom," and was part of the Dear America series, fictional diaries of young girls during American history. This book tells the story of a young slave girl who longs for freedom just before the Civil War.

The year is 1859. Clotee has lived all twelve years of her life as a slave on the Belmont Plantation in Virginia. Although she has known no life other than that of a slave, she has secretly learned how to read and write, and that ability gives her a glimpse of the world out there. To practice, she keeps a secret diary that she hides in a hollowed-out tree. An orphan most of her life, Clotee has managed to make the best of her circumstances, and writing is one of the few things that brings her any joy. When a tutor comes to the plantation to teach the master's young son, Clotee figures that he'll just be another prejudiced southerner. But he's an abolitionist that further expands Clotee's horizons, and he may be able to give her the one thing she longs for: freedom.

This was a wonderful book that brought to life the world of a young slave girl in the pre Civil War south. Clotee came alive and seemed like a real person with real hopes and dreams. I highly recommend this book to young readers with an interest in American history.

The Moor's Revenge, 31 May 2008
I love Giles Milton's books. If you haven't read Nathaniel's Nutmeg or Samurai William, then do so.

I already knew a bit of this story - that Barbary corsairs raided the Cornish and Irish coasts in the seventeenth century for slaves, but I wasn't aware of the enormous scale of the Moroccan and Algerian white slave trade. Or that it continued up to the Congress of Vienna. And I had never heard of the dramatic incident that brought it to an end - a British fleet, massively armed thanks to Britain being in the first flush of the Industrial Revolution, pounding Algiers to rubble until the local sultan agreed to give up the trade.

And did you know that an abusive gesture used by Muslims to Christians was to raise the middle finger, to indicate that there was just one God? Anyway, a great read.


Remind the world..., 02 Apr 2008
Yet again written in a style that allows everyone to read it, Milton delivers. He has such an eye for the long forgotten but fascinating tale that it stands out as adventure and serious History with ease.
Long may such work continue as it allows you to have fun and make you feel like you have read a 'proper book' rather than a simple crowd pleaser.


Slavery was not all triangular trade, 12 Sep 2007
Truth stranger than fiction told about a little known historical story. If you have ever wondered about pub signs with Moorish heads, here is the answer. For centuries, European sea coast communities and our sailors were at risk from the Barbary Corsairs, Muslims from North Africa after their expulsion from Spain. This threat continued until ended by British naval "diplomacy" less than two centuries ago. Here you learn of brital Moulay Ismail building a palace to be bigger than contemporary Versailles with 100% white Christian slave labour. If anyone apostacised they received better treatment but lost their hope of ransom by any Christian nation. How Thomas Pellow endured this from captured cabin boy until he escaped after many years is a truly incredible story. Even more amazing is than a descendant should be the naval officer to end this barbarism. Read and learn.

History revisited, 11 Sep 2007
great read from much reasearch that broght a hell of a story together
my only wish would have been to have surviving details on the rest of his life

even his death date seems to be lost
yet another succesful book from this author

Excellent True story. Should be compulsory reading in all schools, 20 Aug 2007
An excellent Real life story of the horrors many White Europeans had to suffer at the hands of islamists. A piece of our history hidden from todays ignorant masses re told here in fascinating and enthralling detail. A truly great read.

The extraordinary story of black loyalists and indefatigable abolitionists, 14 Nov 2008
Simon Schama is not only one of Britain's leading historians but a story-teller par excellence. And he is not a historian with a political agenda; his compassion for the oppressed and the voiceless of history shines through every page of his writing. In this unashamedly populist account of the thousands of black slaves who chose to fight on the British side in the American War of Independence, he has fabulously rich subject matter. It is a tale of incalculable suffering, brutality, degradation and betrayal on one hand and of integrity, dedication, altruism and hope on the other. And it is not always straightforward. We learn of white men who risked their lives in the abolitionist cause and black men who became slavers when the opportunity arose.
Although we have been taught not to fall into the trap of judging past historical events with the values and concepts of the modern era I soon learnt that far from being universally accepted as a legitimate mode of commerce, there was a large body of individuals in England in the eighteenth century who were outraged by the obscenity of the transatlantic slave trade. Many of these were the celebrities of the day: man of letters Dr Johnson, actor David Garrick, pottery magnate Josiah Wedgewood and Darwin's botanist Joseph Banks. But Schama as ever concentrates on the unsung heroes and the hidden villains of history. He gives voice to many of the vocal, articulate blacks who, though understandably always reticent in trusting their white persecutors, nevertheless never lose faith either in British justice or in their abolitionist friends: Thomas Peters, Boston King, David George, Olaudah Equiano and the charismatic Frederick Douglass, even as many of them are buffeted between the Virginian and Carolinan plantations, freezing Nova Scotia and disease-ridden Sierra Leone.
Early in Rough Crossings we are introduced to obsessive abolitionist Granville Sharp who successfully defends in court James Somerset, one of London's thousands of black men who had escaped slavery in the colonies but who constantly faced the horror of recapture. The milestone decision of the court - that once a slave sets foot on English soil he becomes a free man - was to reverberate throughout the slave world. Concerned with the wretched plight of London's blacks Sharp then sets about resettling them voluntarily in a small community in Sierra Leone in West Africa, Sharp Town, the first such experiment but which faced monolithic political, social and environmental barriers to success. In spite of Sharp's best efforts, black-white hatred and suspicion constant bubbled beneath the surface.
Meanwhile, in America the result of the Somerset case had signalled to slaves there that British justice was honourable and fair and offered them their only hope of freedom. Consequently, thousands of them opted to abandon their masters and fight as loyalists on the side of the crown during the American War of Independence. Many of them joined the British Black Pioneers. They were encouraged by the struggling British government who had promised them land in return for military service. Of course, there were the usual disasters and betrayals, including one terrible incident when hundreds of blacks and their families weakened by smallpox were abandoned to die on the beach of the Virginian coast.
When the war ended in defeat for the British the black loyalists, far from being settled on arable plots of land to feed their families as they had hoped, instead found themselves freezing on a barren, rock-strewn wilderness in Nova Scotia maltreated and humiliated by the loyalist whites among whom they lived. Enter British naval officer and indefatigable abolitionist John Clarkson, brother of like-minded Thomas, incensed by the humiliation of the ex-slaves in the Canadian wasteland, most of whom were now servants or indentured labourers, shunned and maltreated by their white neighbours, little more than slaves again. Like Sharp, Clarkson felt that the only hope for them was a return to the warmth and cultural familiarity of West Africa and so the moribund Sharp Town community in Sierra Leone was kick-started again by a new influx of free black men. Much of the second half of the book describes the almost insurmountable problems faced by Clarkson as he prepares the voyage and resettlement of hundreds of black loyalists and the increasing number of white hangers-on; and then the hunger, disease, storms, squabbles, sabotage and treachery that constantly threatens to derail the project. We read of the unsteady growth of the beleaguered community, and the gradual emergence of an embryonic black democracy. From beginning to end this wonderful and moving historical narrative is empathetic, beautifully written and riveting to read. And for those who seek to supplement their knowledge there is a highly accessible and comprehensive reference list and a dramatis personae.


A Magnificent Piece of History, 20 Feb 2008
Simon Schama's Rough Crossings tells the story of the American revolution, the resettlement of slaves and others loyal to the British after the war. It covers a period from the 1770's up to the the turn of the century with a final part, up to the mid nineteenth century, that explores the beginnings and endings of history. The narrative roams three continents with a cast of characters that includes the bad and the good.

As a black man, I came to this book to learn about the experience of the slaves from yet another perspective. However, the book is so well written, the story told with such great style that I was quickly shifted from my narrow perspective and was drawn fully into the complexities of the revolution and its making.

The germ of the making of the revolution is clearly revealed by Schama. The scheming, the wheeler dealings and deceit are all there. An early passage in the book states: "In the experience of both David George and Boston King (the best sources we have for the experience of blacks in the Revolutionary War), the British could appear as both benefactors and theives, hard-hearted and kind-hearted; yet there was never any question about the ultimate allegiance of these two."

But Rough Crossings is more than a histoy of the American revolution; Britian's response and the experience of slaves, it is also a political and geographical history. In other works, it is also about the formation of 'states'. Schama's outline of the makings of settlements in Nova Scotia and Sierra Leone is quite revealing of the politics of betrayal and brutishness that ensued. He clearly shows us life from the seedy to the pretentiousness of high civility. Pretentiousness to high civility that could never be obtained because these new societies carried within them the seeds from another place and time. In the early formation of these new colonies what begun to blossom again was racism. For example, in Nova Scotia, to keep the settlement of Shelburne free of the "frolicks" of negros the whites decided to create a settlement for the blacks - namely Birchtown. Here in lies the making of racial apartheid.

What also comes across clearly in this book is a history of greed and profitering at the expense of the slaves. One of the recurring themes was that the whole enterprise of the war and slavery was driven by profits. The drive for profits at the expense of human beings is painfully outlined in the story of captain Luke Collingwood. Rather than lose money by captured Africans dying during the passage from Africa to the Caribbean, during one passage Collingwood prepared and executed a plan to defruad his insures by casting live Africans into the sea.

Part two of this great history focuses on the efforts of John Clarkson to resettle "ex-slaves" and loyalist in Sierra Leone. In restrained almost understated language, Schama outlines how the hardships, the betrayals, the effects of indentured bonds and debts were experienced by "ex-slaves". It is a story of great human suffering, endurance and determination.

It is not just the content that makes the book highly readable. After all, the story has been told before in various guises. What also sustains the reading of this story is the way it is told. In part, Schama's style is rhetorical. This had the effect of sweeping me along with his narrative and persuading me into believing the content. Here is an example of Schama at the peak of rhetorical flourish as he describes how against poor conditions and experiences slaves were still prepared to join the British army: "For all the chaos and brutality; for all the untended sickness and the abandonment of the sick; for all the slaves forced on to public works, some of them even sent back to masters; for all the chronic uncertainty about their eventual fate; ... whereever the British army went, in big battalions or small, in North Carolina and then in Virginia, slaves still continue to pour into their camps by the score, then in hundreds and finally thousands."

Schama is detailed and scholarly whilst at the same time remaining sufficiently populist to allow his book to appeal to a broad readship. His command of the language is so great, his narrative flows so fluently that at times I had to read out aloud if only to hear an imagined voice and savour the text. Furthermore, Schama's descriptive passages are quite simply brilliant and dazzling. Take the long opening paragraph of part one. Here a vivid picture of aspects of life in London is presented. The reader can almost see the hustle and bustle of high and low life. As we read we can easily emerse ourselves into London life.

The truth is the apex to which the writer; whether historian, novelist or philosopher, must aim. In reading Rough Crossings, one is left with the clear impression that the truth is exactly what Schama achieves. He leaves no stone unturned, he shows us great acts of human kindness and the despicable, depravity of human behaviour. One example of the wide spectrum of human behaviour can be found in the story of Jonathan Stong, a London slave beaten almost beyond recognition by his master David Lisle, but rescued and rehabilitated by William Sharp. I was simply moved not just by the story but just as important Schama's ability to convey the pathos involved.

I think the best way to summarise Schama's achievement is to pay him a tribute. One senses that Schama's handling of his material and subject is second to none. He manages to achieve what I would think most historians aim at, that is the right balance between the narration of the story, description of scenes and events, and analysis of the underlying causes. This is a magnificent piece of history, please read it.

"A place like no other . . . ", 30 Oct 2007
Like the ships' journeys, this is a three part tale. For the ships, it was from some British port to the coast of Africa, thence - loaded with "live cargo" - across the Atlantic to the sales dock before returning to the British Isles. It is that "live cargo" that Schama deals with in this superbly written, but tragic, account of how Britain attempted to redeem itself for its role in the slave trade. When the British colonies in North America severed their link to the Crown, "liberty" was the ultimate cause. That "liberty" meant the right to make their own decisions, something the slave-holding colonists refused to apply to their African workers. If they could, slaves and free blacks thus bolted from certain captivity to a promise offered by the defeated imperial power.

The triad of sites in this book are London, North America - particularly Nova Scotia - and the African Coast. In London, a reformer group, led by Granville Sharp, arose to combat slavery and the trans-Atlantic trade in "live cargo". They were opposed by political inertia and the Caribbean sugar lobby of planters, shippers and agents. Escaped or manumitted slaves in North America had few refuges and London held as much promise as anywhere. Ghettos of black populations had grown up by the 1760s, and laboured under uncertain legal and social status. A colonist visiting the capital might seek a lost slave there, while press gangs could raid the black district of St Giles with near impunity. Schama depicts the twisted path of black status in England where Common Law declared that "no man might own another" with acerbic clarity. A court case that might have been a landmark decision resulted in mixed interpretations of the ruling.

Mixed or not, when the Thirteen Colonies rebelled a decade later, the British found it useful to entice slaves to desert masters. Projecting the idea that "no man might own another" at least to? the North American mainland, the British Army created black military forces and declared any soldier or civilian working for it, free. Defeat forced a massive relocation programme, with thousands of people transferred to Nova Scotia. In New York, "The Book of Negroes" was a catalogue of those newly emancipated people as a means of certifying their identity and status. One reason this remained necessary was that slave-owning Loyalists had no intention of releasing their property. Freed and enslaved was distinguished by certificates issued by the military and by such lists as "The Book".

Nova Scotia, as Schama well portrays, was not an unqualified success. The climate was anything but salubrious, nor was the economy ready for the influx of people. Pressures mounted until Birchtown became the first site of a race riot in North America. Another solution was needed and the London group found it in Sierra Leone. As tensions increased in Nova Scotia, Schama introduces the figure of John Clarkson, a Royal Navy officer who might be described as a principled navigator. In Schama's view, Clarkson became the Saviour of the Nova Scotia and some London freedmen. Clarkson's sacrifices were certainly worthy of sainthood - his career, his health and whatever income he possessed. The book's title is as applicable to Clarkson's journey from Halifax to Sierra Leone as any event related. Severe storms buffeted the fleet, while Clarkson lay prostrate in his cabin with what may have been meningitis. Sierra Leone was also beset by storms, of both weather and politics, as it struggled to gain the independence it had been promised. It never was truly free, as much as Clarkson and the settlers wished it so. Still, it was an enclave of hope, and at one point was actually the only place anywhere in the Atlantic world where free blacks had elected representatives and actually entered into the first black labour negotiations.

Schama's account of the struggles of black British subjects is long overdue. It will make uncomfortable reading for some - a testimony to its value and importance. The research foundation is impressively thorough. He handles personalities and situations with equal skill, and has no qualms about exposing the hypocrisies he encounters. The term "racism" doesn't appear in the book, but it doesn't have to. The statements and actions of those who would become leaders in "The Home of Liberty" are expressive enough. A fine, admirable and much-needed book, this needs a wide readership. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

A Voyage of Historical Revelation, 17 Dec 2006
With so many historians writing about subjects already extensively covered, it is always a particular delight to find a book which tells a story unfamiliar to all but the the specialist. Simon Schama has found just such a subject in the chronicles of black Afro American slaves who fought for the British Crown in the American War of Independence in return for their freedom and the chance to start afresh in Canada and Seirra Leone.It is account full of exciting incident, vivid characters, idealism, betrayal, misfortune, courage and hypocrisy: it also makes for a cracking read. Those who might find the topic of slavery so immense as to be off putting will find this volume focussed, detailed and cleverly structured whilst some who find Schama's on screen persona irritating will find him a far more appealing on the printed page. Along the way we encounter the usual suspects: politicians who say one thing and do another, Southern plantation owners proclaiming their worship of liberty providing it doesn't apply to slaves and pious martinets who don't let humanity and commonsense get in the way of a moral sermon. Yet in the hard work and commitment of the freed slaves and the idealism of decent men like Granville Sharp and John Clarkson the story of struggle against enormous odds becomes inspiring. For those wanting an informed overview on the debate over the legality of slavery or differing transatlantic approaches to the notion of liberty or the roots of the quest for black political representation will find much of interest here, but if you just like a totally engrossing account of a fascinating historical episode, you cannot go wrong. One of the best popular history books of recent years without doubt.

How history should be written: accurate, interesting and accessible, 12 Oct 2006
Simon Schama's book deals with the history of a few thousand, in a war that concerned millions, while giving poignant examples from the personal few. He successful fits his story of the slaves who fought behind British lines into a larger picture of the civil war, and gives them a voice. To the reviewer who claimed this book is overcomplicated, I must simply argue that you're wrong. In this book, Schama writes clearly and is at all points captivating, if one wants an example of imaginative, yet no pretentious social history then one needs to look no further. With his unique style, he writes a book that could easily be a work of fiction were it not so thoroughly researched. Highly recommended to those with even the passing interest in history, it may win the subject some converts.

This moving story creates an empathy for negro slaves., 01 Sep 1999
This book was moving and a good summer reading book for students like myself in high school.

1sthand account of the evils of this "peculiar institution", 31 Aug 1999
This is a great book, and I feel everyone should read it. Iwasn't forced to read, but I chose to read it on my own in order to better understand the nation's injustices. Douglass' first hand account of slavery is one of the best sources. His writing isn't wordy or difficult to understand, either.

Great man, great book.

Outstanding read, 08 Jun 1999
I Read Douglass for an assignment in my college U.S. History class, and was almost dreading opening this book afraid that Douglass would blame every white person for his torment. Instead I found that Douglass knew the difference between the slave owners and the people who were trying to stop the practice. I finished this book in a matter of days, and respect Douglass as the extreamly brave man that he was. The paper I wrote reflected my outrage that such an occurance could have happened in this beautiful country.

Leopold II: King Of The Congo, King Of Hell, 22 Sep 2008
This is a stunning account of Belgium's King Leopold II's rape and plunder of the Congo. His agents and officials dealt misery and death to millions of Congolese and subjugated the unfortunate natives with ferocious brutality. Meanwhile the King of the Congo (and Belgium) got fat off the staggering profits of ivory and rubber. This greedy consuming devil was master of planting friendly stories in the western press, cajoling, bribing, threatening and shouting to the world how much good he was doing in the Congo. Fortunately you can't fool all the people all the time. A group of very brave men (some who paid with their lives) soon expose the truth and hellish conditions of the the Congolese. Under severe pressure Leopold gifts (sells) the Congo to Belgium for a considerable sum. Half a century later after Belgium is forced to grant independence, the CIA assassinate the prime minister. A gruesome start for the young country.

The story is as upsetting as it is distasteful. Sad, sad, sad. The civilized shown up for their raw animism and the "uncivilized" pay the price for being behind the curve. I visited the Central Africa museum in Brussels shortly after finishing this book. It is truly frightening how the Belgians place virtually all blame on a few colluding chiefs and the competing Arab slave traders. It is said that history is written by the victors and state versions are the worst - nothing but brazen propaganda. With luck some day the Congolese will tell their own story. In the meantime, Hochschild does a wonderful job.

An emotional introduction to the history of Colonialism, 01 Sep 2008
I bought this book in a small dusty bookstore in an out of the way town, after reading Barbara Kingsolver's 'The Poisonwood Bible', set in the Congo and following the lives of an American Missionary and his family. I didn't imagine that I would be as moved as I have been having finished Adam Hochschild's book, and now understand so much more about the legacy of colonialism, not just in the Congo, but across the world. Sure, it's written in an easy to understand and follow format which undoubtedly skims certain events, and it's moralising tone does detract a little from other European and American atrocities elsewhere - but this leaves me with a strong desire to now seek out literature which helps me to understand the bigger picture.

I live in a British Overseas Protectorate where the roots of colonialism are still strong, and will be recommending this book to everyone here.

excellent, 25 May 2008
Not sure where some of the other reviewers are coming from on this book. It is first rate: entertaining, informative, well written. A real page turner. I live in Belgium and am familiar with some of the issues the book is concerned with, particularly the absence of any collective guilt about where so much of the money that built so many monuments actually came from. Strongly recommended if you enjoy reading and want to be educated at the same time....

Cursed with Wealth, 21 Apr 2008
The coldly-executed, bloody-minded exploitation of the Congo by King Leopold and his business partners is a story well-worth repeating. At times his conduct is so disgraceful as to force one to a variety of admiration. The ruthless self-interest has surely been a model for later exploiters of Africa (of whatever hue) but few can have stolen as much (once adjusted for current prices) as the King. Such a great evil summoned forth worthy opponents though at all stages they seem to have had to break through disbelief before they could get on the King's wavelength. The King's ability to understand and exploit European sentiment required his arch-opponent E.D.Morel to raise his game. This is a sorry tale, well-told by its author. However, it is really not quite as unknown as the puffery claims. Hochschild has not discovered a forgotten Holocaust, but he has kept its disgraceful memory "bright".

This should be read , 04 Nov 2006
This is an important book that really should be on School curriculums everywhere. If you're thinking of visiting or going to work in Africa you should read this book. It is written in an accessible and non academic way that will appeal to students and casual readers alike. A genocide almost still in living memory and but largely forgotten by the mainstream. Reading this book it helped me understand the Africa of today and how it is possible to see a direct relation between the action of the colonizers of yesterday and the mass apathy and western collusion in more recent and contemporary African genocides. However there is also a story of hope here as this book is also a exploration of how ordinary people (both black and white) came together to bring about social change.

A personal and intimate view of slavery, 29 Oct 2008
In the words of a born slave, who after a decade-long struggle achieves freedom, written to women of her own time, Linda Brent writes of her life in slavery and her long plight towards freedom.

Her experiences rise from the page and are now grounded in my memory. There are experiences of ruthless masters and mistresses, but also of family and friends, deep trust and helpfulness.

The strength of this autobiography is the author's use of her own words, shaped my time, culture, and the wish to protect certain parties.

I learned from this book, which gives a personal and intimate view at slavery and The United States circa 1860. Recommendable.

Louise.

Gripping and realistic, 28 May 1999
I've read this book a few times over the years. The first being for a college course. It stayed with me then as it did each and every time I've read it. I highly recommend this novel as it is so frighteningly realistic and poignant. I have found myself many times recommending this novel to friends and family. It is rich in culture, history and plot. I highly recommend it.

A frustrating story about a slave's 9 year escape to freedom, 03 Dec 1998
I had to read this book for school, and I was impressed with some of it. The tone was realistic and believable, and the characters were interesting. But the plot was slow, the book is 200 pages long, and the main character's passive nature makes you want to scream. I don't recommend this book for free reading, but as a slave narrative it meets it's purpose of telling the public about the horrors of slavery. I give it three stars.

A Lesson From the Heart, 20 Sep 1998
It took me a few days to track down this book, but thankfully, Amazom.Com had it, and was able to send it to me within a few days. I picked it up, expecting to be a long, dry read as most of the fiction (not just slave narratives, mind you) has a tendency to take on such characteristics. Just the style of the period, I suppose.

Boy, was I surprised. Harriet Jacobs, writing under a pseudonym, published this book in 1861 after spending many, many years in hiding from her "master," Dr. Charles Flint, a lecherous, sexually-aggressive man determined to break her spirit. Seven years in a cramped, ten-by-seven foot attic crawlspace, however, did little to crush this woman, for she not only managed to escape North Carolina herself, but her children and uncle escaped as well. Her grandmother, freed when she was fifty years old upon the death of her mistress, died during Jacobs' exile in Boston.

What I most enjoyed about this text was its style and frankness with the material. Written as a part slave narrative, part journal, and part epistle to the reader, Incidents tells a remarkable tale of the callousness of white men to slaves, who were deemed subhuman and ignorant. Harriet Jacobs demonstrates an enormous capacity for intelligence through her careful, brutally honest memoirs. Although the names of friends, family, and enemies were changed, perhaps to protect the innocent, perhaps to protect the guilty, there is no doubt in my mind that the horrors Jacobs describes occurred, and while my family arrived in America at the early part of this century, I still experienced a great embarassment and shame. Not because I had anything to do with those horrid crimes. No... I feel shame because I know it still continues today, and it saddens my heart to know it will probably continue tomorrow.

Rest in peace, Harriet Jacobs.

well, actually..., 27 Jul 2006
I'd just like to add that one of the main reasons for the air of authenticity that this book carries, is that it's a true story, compiled from interviews given by the real-life Clotee when she was an old, free, woman. This is not a work of fiction, and the dignity , courage and humility of Clotee shines through with every page.
Inspiring stuff.

Well written and informative, 27 Mar 2006
Taking the form of a diary and spanning just over a year, this book follows the life of a young slave girl working in the "Big House" on a farm in Virginia in 1859.
Life is hard for Clotee: Although only 12yrs old, she works from dawn til dusk, at the constant call of her mistress.
She learns to read while fanning her mistress's son, also 12yrs, during his lessons. Slaves are not permitted any education and she has to keep her learning secret for fear of severe punishment.
However, the wind of change is blowing and 200yrs of slavery is nearing its end. Clotee gets involved with the abolitionists, helping others to reach freedom in Canada.
As an adult reader, I find some young adult books a bit patronising, this, however was well written and very interesting.

Diary of a fictional young slave girl., 31 Jul 2005
This book was originally published as "A Picture of Freedom," and was part of the Dear America series, fictional diaries of young girls during American history. This book tells the story of a young slave girl who longs for freedom just before the Civil War.

The year is 1859. Clotee has lived all twelve years of her life as a slave on the Belmont Plantation in Virginia. Although she has known no life other than that of a slave, she has secretly learned how to read and write, and that ability gives her a glimpse of the world out there. To practice, she keeps a secret diary that she hides in a hollowed-out tree. An orphan most of her life, Clotee has managed to make the best of her circumstances, and writing is one of the few things that brings her any joy. When a tutor comes to the plantation to teach the master's young son, Clotee figures that he'll just be another prejudiced southerner. But he's an abolitionist that further expands Clotee's horizons, and he may be able to give her the one thing she longs for: freedom.

This was a wonderful book that brought to life the world of a young slave girl in the pre Civil War south. Clotee came alive and seemed like a real person with real hopes and dreams. I highly recommend this book to young readers with an interest in American history.

The Moor's Revenge, 31 May 2008
I love Giles Milton's books. If you haven't read Nathaniel's Nutmeg or Samurai William, then do so.

I already knew a bit of this story - that Barbary corsairs raided the Cornish and Irish coasts in the seventeenth century for slaves, but I wasn't aware of the enormous scale of the Moroccan and Algerian white slave trade. Or that it continued up to the Congress of Vienna. And I had never heard of the dramatic incident that brought it to an end - a British fleet, massively armed thanks to Britain being in the first flush of the Industrial Revolution, pounding Algiers to rubble until the local sultan agreed to give up the trade.

And did you know that an abusive gesture used by Muslims to Christians was to raise the middle finger, to indicate that there was just one God? Anyway, a great read.


Remind the world..., 02 Apr 2008
Yet again written in a style that allows everyone to read it, Milton delivers. He has such an eye for the long forgotten but fascinating tale that it stands out as adventure and serious History with ease.
Long may such work continue as it allows you to have fun and make you feel like you have read a 'proper book' rather than a simple crowd pleaser.


Slavery was not all triangular trade, 12 Sep 2007
Truth stranger than fiction told about a little known historical story. If you have ever wondered about pub signs with Moorish heads, here is the answer. For centuries, European sea coast communities and our sailors were at risk from the Barbary Corsairs, Muslims from North Africa after their expulsion from Spain. This threat continued until ended by British naval "diplomacy" less than two centuries ago. Here you learn of brital Moulay Ismail building a palace to be bigger than contemporary Versailles with 100% white Christian slave labour. If anyone apostacised they received better treatment but lost their hope of ransom by any Christian nation. How Thomas Pellow endured this from captured cabin boy until he escaped after many years is a truly incredible story. Even more amazing is than a descendant should be the naval officer to end this barbarism. Read and learn.

History revisited, 11 Sep 2007
great read from much reasearch that broght a hell of a story together
my only wish would have been to have surviving details on the rest of his life

even his death date seems to be lost
yet another succesful book from this author

Excellent True story. Should be compulsory reading in all schools, 20 Aug 2007
An excellent Real life story of the horrors many White Europeans had to suffer at the hands of islamists. A piece of our history hidden from todays ignorant masses re told here in fascinating and enthralling detail. A truly great read.

The extraordinary story of black loyalists and indefatigable abolitionists, 14 Nov 2008
Simon Schama is not only one of Britain's leading historians but a story-teller par excellence. And he is not a historian with a political agenda; his compassion for the oppressed and the voiceless of history shines through every page of his writing. In this unashamedly populist account of the thousands of black slaves who chose to fight on the British side in the American War of Independence, he has fabulously rich subject matter. It is a tale of incalculable suffering, brutality, degradation and betrayal on one hand and of integrity, dedication, altruism and hope on the other. And it is not always straightforward. We learn of white men who risked their lives in the abolitionist cause and black men who became slavers when the opportunity arose.
Although we have been taught not to fall into the trap of judging past historical events with the values and concepts of the modern era I soon learnt that far from being universally accepted as a legitimate mode of commerce, there was a large body of individuals in England in the eighteenth century who were outraged by the obscenity of the transatlantic slave trade. Many of these were the celebrities of the day: man of letters Dr Johnson, actor David Garrick, pottery magnate Josiah Wedgewood and Darwin's botanist Joseph Banks. But Schama as ever concentrates on the unsung heroes and the hidden villains of history. He gives voice to many of the vocal, articulate blacks who, though understandably always reticent in trusting their white persecutors, nevertheless never lose faith either in British justice or in their abolitionist friends: Thomas Peters, Boston