Synopses & Reviews
How did the bloodiest slave uprising in American history--once thought to have involved hundreds of conspirators, black and white, free and enslaved--come to be known simply as "Nat Turner's Rebellion"? And why does the enigmatic figure of the rebellious slave resonate so powerfully across American history?
In this richly detailed study spanning the eras of slavery, Jim Crow, and civil rights, Scot French places the contested history and enduring memory of Nat Turners Rebellion within the broader context of the black freedom struggle. French builds his narrative around close readings of historical texts, both famous and obscure, from early American prophecies of slave rebellion to William Styron's 1967 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about Turner. He devotes considerable attention to the interplay between quasi-official narratives, such as "The Confessions of Nat Turner" by Thomas R. Gray, and less authoritative sources, such as rumor and oral tradition. Whereas most historians accept "The Confessions" as gospel, French presents several compelling counternarratives that point to a wider conspiracy. A groundbreaking work of American history, analogous to Merrill D. Petersons Abraham Lincoln in American Memory and Nell Painters Sojourner Truth: A Life, a Symbol, The Rebellious Slave will alter our views of both slavery and its complex, ever-changing legacy.
Nat Turner was neither the first nor the last American slave to rise in arms against his oppressors,” French writes. Yet he stands alone in American culture as the epitome of the rebellious slave, a black man whose words and deeds challenged the white slaveholding South and awakened a slumbering nation. A maker of history in his own day, Turner has been made to serve the most pressing needs of every generation since. In remembering Nat Turner, Americans must boldly confront--or deftly evade, at their peril--the intertwined legacies of slavery and racism in a nation founded on revolutionary ideals of freedom and equality.”
Synopsis
Nat Turner was neither the first nor the last American slave to rise in arms against his oppressors. Yet he stands alone in American popular culture as the epitome of the rebellious slave -- a glorious hero and martyr to some, a misguided fanatic and cold-blooded mass murderer to others. In this richly detailed study spanning the eras of slavery, the Civil War, Jim Crow, and civil rights, Scot French places the contested history and enduring memory of "Nat Turner"s Rebellion" within a broader American discourse on race, slavery, and the boundaries of national belonging.French builds his narrative around close readings of historical texts, both famous and obscure, from early American prophecies of slave rebellion to post-9/11 editorials on the "terror" inspired by Turner and his followers. He devotes considerable attention to the interplay between quasi-official narratives, such as Thomas R. Gray"s "The Confessions of Nat Turner," and less authoritative sources, such as contemporary newspaper accounts and even rumor and oral tradition. Where most historians accept "The Confessions" as gospel, French presents several compelling counternarratives that point to a wider conspiracy. A ground-breaking work of American history -- analogous to Merrill D. Peterson"s Abraham Lincoln in American Memory and Nell Painter"s Sojourner Truth: A Life, A Symbol -- The Rebellious Slave will alter our views of both slavery and its complex, ever-changing legacy.
About the Author
Scot French is an assistant professor and associate director of the Carter G. Woodson Institute for African-American and African Studies at the University of Virginia.
Table of Contents
Contents
Acknowledgments ix
Introduction 1
1. Prophecy 7
2. Inquisitions 33
3. Apotheosis 65
4. Signposts 135
5. Commemorations 215
Epilogue: The Continuing Saga 278
Appendix: The Confessions of Nat Turner, as told to Thomas R. Gray 283
Notes 304
Bibliography 343
Index 353