Breaking the Chains: African American Slave Resistance

by William Loren Katz, Robin D.G. Kelley Narrated by Leon Nixon

Overview

“Breaking the Chains is still fresh, still relevant, and more dangerous than ever. ... It shows us that the most oppressed and degraded people have the power, capacity, and moral vision to break their own chains and secure liberty, justice, and equality for all.”-from the Introduction by ROBIN D. G. KELLEY
Centering Black voices and the narratives of enslaved people, Breaking the Chains offers a thoroughly researched account of the ways people in bondage were themselves a driving force behind their own emancipation. With updated language that returns personhood and intent to those written about, this essential book by celebrated historian and author, William Loren Katz, is “a significant contribution to American history” (Kirkus Reviews).
“[Breaking the Chains] will force many readers to reexamine their assumptions about American history. ... Young adults will be fascinated and better informed for having experienced this book.”-School Library Journal, starred review

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Invaluable history.” –Alice Walker

“Katz masterfully steers the reader step by step through the astonishing forms of resistance, both active and passive. . . . this powerful and authentic collection will be welcomed by those seeking to reclaim the truth behind their heritage.” –Publishers Weekly

“[Breaking the Chains] will force many readers to reexamine their assumptions about American history….Young adults will be fascinated and better informed for having experienced this book.” –School Library Journal, starred review

“He wrote about heroic black women, slave rebellions and antislavery movements when discussing such matters was dangerous and seen as unpatriotic,” –Jesse Weaver Shipley, professor of African and African American Studies and Oratory at Dartmouth College

"Using documented evidence from slaves and former slaves, Katz contradicts the oft-repeated contention that African-Americans were satisfied with their lot and did little to free themselves. The European slave trade began the day Columbus landed. Though evidence was often suppressed, the tradition of resistance can claim equal antiquity, as Katz has shown briefly in other books, notably Black Indians: A Hidden Heritage (1986). Here, using primary sources and direct quotes, he not only describes in detail the violent rebellions—Nat Turner's, Gabriel Prosser's, Denmark Vesey's, the 150-some that happened at sea—but also explores quieter methods of resistance and escape; how black slaves presented deceptively content faces while using family ties, religion, coded folk-tales and a sense of community to keep the hope of freedom alive. He shows that strong family values and education were prized, then describes the role black men and women played in the skilled trades, in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and in the Abolition movement. As usual, the author's narrative is clear, even-toned, logically structured, and neither dry nor lurid. A significant contribution to American history. Bibliography; index; illustrated with historical photos, engravings, etc."
–Kirkus Reviews

“A major contribution, particularly valuable because the subject has been overlooked.” –John Hope Franklin

AUG/SEP 00 - AudioFile

William Katz’s book provides a scholarly, detailed presentation of African-American resistance to slavery from the time of the first exploration of the Americas to post Civil War America. In spite of Peter James's straightforward and, at times, unruffled reading, the listener comes away with an overwhelming sense of horror. This recording could be an important component of history curriculum for middle and high school students. If selected segments were paired with factual information, historical fiction, and firsthand slave accounts in the voices of African-Americans, the impact would be great. A.R. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940160541006
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	04/16/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged

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