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The Black Jacobins

Toussaint L'Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution
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( 7,291 ratings, 701 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Black Jacobins by C. L. R. James delves into the compelling history of the Haitian Revolution, exploring its impact on the abolition of slavery and the fight for independence from colonial rule. It provides a detailed narrative of the events and figures central to this upheaval, focusing on the leadership of Toussaint L'Ouverture and the complex interplay of social, economic, and political factors that shaped the revolution. This insightful work presents a profound analysis of one of history's most significant uprisings.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are fascinated by revolutionary history and enjoy exploring detailed narratives about pivotal global events. It vividly portrays the struggles and triumphs of the Haitian Revolution, offering insights into colonialism, resilience, and leadership. You'll likely appreciate its dynamic storytelling and compelling analysis of historical figures and movements.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The iconic study of the Haitian revolution by one of the founding fathers of Caribbean scholarship, now in Modern Classics for the first time.

In 1791, inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution, the slaves of San Domingo rose in revolt. Despite invasion by a series of British, Spanish and Napoleonic armies, their twelve-year struggle led to the creation of Haiti, the first independent black republic outside Africa. Only three years later, the British and Americans ended the Atlantic slave trade.

In this outstanding example of vivid, committed and empathetic historical analysis, C. L. R. James illuminates these epoch-making events. He explores the appalling economic realities of the Caribbean economy, the roots of the world's only successful slave revolt and the utterly extraordinary former slave - Toussaint L'Ouverture - who led them.

Explicitly written as part of the fight to end colonialism in Africa, The Black Jacobins puts the slaves themselves centre stage, boldly forging their own destiny against nearly impossible odds. It remains one of the essential texts for understanding the Caribbean - and the region's inextricable links with Europe, Africa and the Americas.

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Black Jacobins is widely acclaimed as a groundbreaking historical work and a masterpiece of storytelling and analysis that focuses on the Haitian Revolution. Reviewers praise C. L. R. James for his powerful and polemical writing against slavery and racism, highlighting his ability to depict people of African descent as central figures in their own history. The book is celebrated for its revolutionary approach, which emphasises the agency of the enslaved, and is regarded as an essential text for understanding the Haitian Revolution's impact.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241562079

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 October 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Introduction by James Walvin

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 23.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 311g

Pages: 416

About the Author

C. L. R. James was born in Trinidad in 1901 and was one of the prominent figures in the West Indian diaspora. He wrote extensively on Caribbean history, Marxist theory, literary criticism, Western civilisation, African politics, cricket and popular culture. He died in 1989.

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