Introduction; 1. Counter-revolutionaries; 2. Slow death for slavery; 3. Cotton empire; 4. Black insurgency; 5. Financial chains; 6. Life in the quotidian; 7. Landscape of sexual violence; 8. Industrial discipline; 9. Narratives; 10. Geopolitics; 11. Abolition war; 12. No justice, no peace; Conclusion.
Introduces the essential history of slavery from the American Revolution to post-Civil War Reconstruction in twelve thematic chapters.
Calvin Schermerhorn is a Professor in the School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies at Arizona State University. He is author of The Business of Slavery and the Rise of American Capitalism, 1815–1860 (2015), co-editor of Henry Goings's Rambles of A Runaway from Southern Slavery (2012), and author of Money over Mastery, Family over Freedom: Slavery in the Antebellum Upper South (2011).
'In Unrequited Toil, Calvin Schermerhorn offers a fresh study of
slavery, synthesizing what we know about the institution thus far.
From the cotton fields to coal mines, he tells the story of
American slavery in many forms. His bold and direct language makes
this history plain, palatable, and personal. This book will be used
for years to come as it offers the perfect overview of US slavery
for scholars and the general reader.' Daina Ramey Berry, author of
The Price for Their Pound of Flesh: The Value of the Enslaved, from
the Womb to the Grave, in the Building of a Nation
'A distinguished historian of slavery and the slave trade, Calvin
Schermerhorn's new synthesis on the history of slavery combines the
latest historical literature in the field with his own considerable
research adeptly. A highly usable book in courses on slavery and
nineteenth-century American history.' Manisha Sinha, author of The
Slave's Cause: A History of Abolition
'Schermerhorn provides an overview of slavery in the US from the
Revolutionary era until the end of Reconstruction in the late
1870s. Moving chronologically, the book addresses the major issues
that faced enslaved African Americans, such as personal, day-to-day
experiences with family, labor, and sexual exploitation, as well as
efforts to secure freedom by running away, challenging slavery in
the courts, and planning and staging rebellions. … Schermerhorn's
focus is refreshing, as he brings the experiences of enslaved
Americans to the forefront, rather than addressing slavery from the
realm of white slaveholders. In addition, the author illuminates
his narrative with fascinating historical anecdotes, which …
support and flesh out his narrative while also creating a readable
text. This is a useful work for individuals seeking edification on
the subject of US slavery … [and] those looking for a starting
point for further research. … Highly recommended.' T. K. Byron,
Choice
'Unrequited Toil is an engaging, beautifully composed survey of
slavery in the United States. It presents a highly useful and
readable account featuring the latest scholarly research, valuable
to specialists and students alike.' Dale Kretz, The Journal of
American History
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