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Toussaint Louverture

The Story of the Only Successful Slave Revolt in History
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( 177 ratings, 38 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
Toussaint Louverture by CLR James, in graphic novel format, delves into the life of the Haitian revolutionary leader who led the first successful slave revolt in history. The book captures his strategic genius, complex character, and the impact of his leadership on the fight for Haitian independence, offering an insightful portrayal of a pivotal historical figure without spoiling key events.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3699
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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?

You might enjoy this graphic novel if you are intrigued by powerful historical narratives and revolutionary figures. It brings to life the story of a charismatic leader who played a pivotal role in the Haitian Revolution, blending insightful storytelling with engaging illustrations to delve into themes of freedom, struggle, and resilience. Suitable for both history enthusiasts and those who appreciate visually compelling narratives, this work provides a rich exploration of a significant period in history.

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Longlisted for the American Library in Paris Book Award

Winner of the American Book Award

Winner of the PEN Oakland Josephine Miles Award

PERHAPS THE GREATEST VICTORY OF THE OPPRESSED OVER THEIR OPPRESSORS IN ALL HISTORY

An extraordinary graphic novel of a groundbreaking play

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

When C.L.R. James's Toussaint Louverture: The Story of the Only Successful Slave Revolt in History opened in London featuring Paul Robeson in 1936, it was the first time black actors starred on a British stage in a play written by a black playwright. But after this extraordinary play ended its run, the script was lost for almost 70 years. Then a draft copy was found among James's archives, and now this groundbreaking drama has been turned into a graphic novel by artists Nic Watts and Sakina Karimjee.

The polymath intellectual and Trinidadian revolutionary James, who wrote many books, including analyses of world politics, novels, and a seminal cultural study of cricket, is perhaps best known as the author of the classic history of the Haitian Revolution, Black Jacobins. But James wrote this story first not as history but as theatre, and Toussaint Louverture brings his brilliant interpretation of the epic of the Revolution into rousing, dramatic form.

This book reproduces the stirring script James wrote, and which united James for at least one night with his friend Robeson on the London stage, when the playwright was forced to stand in for an absent actor.

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?

Reviews highlight Toussaint Louverture by CLR James as a compelling graphic adaptation of the author's 1934 play, praised for its vivid depiction of the Haitian Revolution. The illustrations by Karimjee and Watts are celebrated for capturing the rebellious spirit and drama, making it a significant and informative work about Black liberation. Critics commend its ability to educate while maintaining entertainment, marking it as a top nonfiction graphic novel of the year.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781788737906

Publisher: Verso Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 10 October 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Verso Books

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Sakina Karimjee
  • Illustrated by Nic Watts

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 158.0mm

Height: 241.0mm

Weight: 1435g

Pages: 272

About the Author

C.L.R. James was a Trinidadian historian, novelist, activist, and cultural and political critic. He wrote many books, including Black Jacobins: Toussaint L'Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution. Nic Watts and Sakina Karimjee are artists based in London. This is their first book.

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