Drawing on the federal census, wills, mortgage bills of sale, tax returns, and newspaper advertisements, this authoritative study describes the nature of African-American slaveholding, its complexity, and its rationales. It reveals how some African-American slave masters had earned their freedom and how some free Blacks purchased slaves for their own use. The book provides a fresh perspective on slavery in the antebellum South and underscores the importance of African Americans in the history of American slavery.

The book also paints a picture of the complex social dynamics between free and enslaved Blacks, and between Black and white slaveowners. It illuminates the motivations behind African-American slaveholding--including attempts to create or maintain independence, to accumulate wealth, and to protect family members--and sheds light on the harsh realities of slavery for both Black masters and Black slaves.

* BLACK SLAVEOWNERS--Shows how some African Americans became slave masters

* MOTIVATIONS FOR SLAVEHOLDING--Highlights the motivations behind African-American slaveholding

* SOCIAL DYNAMICS--Sheds light on the complex social dynamics between free and enslaved Blacks

* ANEBELLUM SOUTH--Provides a perspective on slavery in the antebellum South

About the Author
Historian Larry Koger lives in Largo, Maryland.

Reviews
"artfully demonstrates the full extent"-Choice; "a valuable reference work...powerful history...well done"-Charleston News & Courier; "thought-provoking study"-The Journal of Southern History; "interesting and valuable...worthwhile"-Daily News; (Bowling Green, Kentucky) "intensive examination...provocative...fascinating and remarkable information"-Georgia Historical Quarterly; "a useful study that should stimulate further research on the status and history of free black slaveholders"-The North Carolina Historical Review.



Book Information
ISBN 9780786469314
Author Larry Koger
Format Paperback
Page Count 300
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 404g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 15mm