How the Word Is Passed

ONE OF BARACK OBAMA'S FAVOURITE BOOKS OF THE YEAR

A NUMBER ONE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR NON-FICTION

'A beautifully readable reminder of how much of our urgent, collective history resounds in places all around us that have been hidden in plain sight.' Afua Hirsch, author of Brit(ish)

Starting from his hometown of New Orleans, Clint Smith takes readers on an enlightening and deeply moving journey through America’s historical landscapes. Through powerful prose and thorough research, How the Word Is Passed uncovers the complex truths of American history by examining monuments and landmarks that tell differing stories about the past. Smith's narrative interweaves personal experiences with historically significant sites to provide a profound look at how the legacy of slavery is etched into the fabric of the United States.

The book explores multiple historic sites, including:

- Monticello Plantation in Virginia, the estate where Thomas Jefferson, while advocating for liberty, enslaved over four hundred people. - The Whitney Plantation, which stands as one of the few plantations dedicated to preserving the narratives of the enslaved rather than the enslavers. - The Angola Prison, a former plantation in Louisiana now turned into a maximum-security prison, where incarcerated Black men perform labour for minimal compensation. - Blandford Cemetery, the burial ground for thousands of Confederate soldiers, symbolising the ongoing conflicts of memory and interpretation surrounding the Civil War.

Smith’s exploration goes beyond these landmarks, extending to cultural holidays such as Juneteenth and sites in urban areas like downtown Manhattan, where the atrocities of the slave trade are embedded in everyday locations. This geographical and historical traverse is a profound testament to how past injustices continue to shape present realities and societal narratives.

How the Word Is Passed is a revelatory book that reshapes our comprehension of America's past. By bringing these stories to the forefront, Smith underscores the importance of recognising and remembering the histories that have been obscured or ignored. His work inspires readers to reflect on how memory and history can impact our understanding of contemporary America.

How the Word Is Passed is a landmark text that transforms our knowledge of American history. With accolades from President Barack Obama, The Economist, Time, and the New York Times, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in the deep-rooted impacts of slavery. Readers of works like Brit(ish) and Natives will find this book utterly absorbing.

What readers are saying about How the Word Is Passed:

'How the Word Is Passed liberates history, granting humanity the power to confront the legacy of slavery with honesty and clarity. We need this book.' Ibram X. Kendi, Number One New York Times bestselling author

'An extraordinary contribution to the way we perceive ourselves and our history.' Julian Lucas, New York Times Book Review

'The detail and depth of the storytelling is vivid and visceral, rendering history immediate and real.' Hope Wabuke, NPR

How the Word Is Passed is not merely a history book but a pivotal work that bridges the past and the present, urging readers to acknowledge and learn from the crucial lessons enshrined in these historic sites.