Description
Book SynopsisJohn Brown’s failed raid on the federal armory in Harper’s Ferry Virginia served as a vital precursor to the Civil War, but its importance to the struggle for justice is free standing and exceptional in the history of the United States. In Freedom's Dawn, Louis DeCaro, Jr., has written the first book devoted exclusively to Brown during the six weeks between his arrest and execution. DeCaro traces his evolution from prisoner to convicted felon, to a prophetic figure, then martyr, and finally the rise of his legacy. In doing so he touches upon major biographical themes in Brown’s story, but also upon antebellum political issues, violence and terrorism, and the themes of political imprisonment and martyrdom.
Trade ReviewIf you are in search of a meticulous recounting of John Brown's last six weeks, Freedom's Dawn will suit you. * Journal of American History *
Louis DeCaro's treatment of the prophetic John Brown's last six weeks is a gem. Don't miss it! -- Cornel West, Union Theological Seminary
No scholar has contributed more to John Brown studies than Louis DeCaro, and Freedom’s Dawn is a masterful new contribution to his indispensable body of work. -- Steven Lubet, author of The “Colored Hero” of Harper’s Ferry: John Anthony Copeland and the War against Slavery and John Brown’s Spy: The Adventurous Life and Tragic Confession of John E. Cook
Freedom's Dawn is the most thoughtful and judicious rendering yet of John Brown's final weeks. In a moving narrative, Louis De Caro, Jr. presents Brown not as a crazed terrorist but as a determined, heroic prophet of human rights. -- David S. Reynolds, author of John Brown, Abolitionist and Walt Whitman's America
Table of ContentsSection I: October’s Prisoner Chapter 1. I Know These Mountains Well Chapter 2. Hundreds of Slaves Were Ready Chapter 3. A Swath of Blood Chapter 4. Clothed in Rags and All His Human Weakness Chapter 5. I Am Ready for My Fate Section II: November’s Felon Chapter 6. Prejudice Ruled That Hour Chapter 7. Like a Block of Stone Chapter 8. In the Uttermost Parts of the Sea Chapter 9. The Days and Nights in Charlestown Chapter 10. Editors, Letters, and Old Friends Section III: When in the Perfect Scheme of God Chapter 11. Virginia Quakes, the South Trembles in Sympathy Chapter 12. The Ashes of the Past Chapter 13. The Celebrity of the Day Chapter 14. Now the Tinder is Ready Chapter 15. Ten Thousand Photographs Section IV: December’s Martyr Chapter 16. Time Seems a Laggard Chapter 17. The Majesty of Death Chapter 18. Like a String that Snaps Chapter 19. A Text for the Nation Epilogue: A Terrible Vial
