The War Before the War: Fugitive Slaves and the Struggle for America's Soul from the Revolution to the Civil War
The War Before the War: Fugitive Slaves and the Struggle for America's Soul from the Revolution to the Civil War
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018
Book Brief
BetaThe War Before the War: Fugitive Slaves and the Struggle for America's Soul from the Revolution to the Civil War
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018464
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 19th century
2018
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The War Before the War by Andrew Delbanco explores the impact of fugitive slaves on the United States from the Revolutionary era to the Civil War. Delbanco examines the moral and political tensions surrounding slavery, focusing on how individuals and events contributed to the nation's struggle with its conscience and eventual conflict over the institution of slavery.
Informative
Mysterious
Challenging
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
1,269 ratings
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Review Roundup
Andrew Delbanco's The War Before the War offers an insightful examination of fugitive slaves shaping America's moral and political landscape pre-Civil War. Praised for its vivid narrative and deep research, some find its pacing uneven. Still, its contribution to understanding tensions leading to the Civil War remains significant.
Who Should Read The War Before the War: Fugitive Slaves and the Struggle for America's Soul from the Revolution to the Civil War?
Readers who appreciated The Fiery Trial by Eric Foner or The Half Has Never Been Told by Edward E. Baptist will likely enjoy Andrew Delbanco's The War Before the War, as it explores the complex history of fugitive slaves and the moral conflicts leading to the Civil War with similar depth and insight.
1,269 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
464
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 19th century
2018
Adult
18+ years
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