As slaves; African-Americans were virtually invisible in American history. Although photography was introduced to this country in l840; precious few images of African-Americans survive today. Even after the Civil War there were not many African-American photographers; and very few black people had the time; money or freedom for a portrait sitting. Consequently; little photographic evidence remains to bear witness to the lives of four and a half million Americans of African descent.Jackie Napolean Wilson; whose own grandfather was born a slave in South Carolina between l853 and l855; has assembled the most comprehensive and significant collection of such images ever brought together in one place. The concrete reality reflected in daguerreotypes; ambrotypes and tintypes presents these men and women in situations and attire that bring the truth of their daily lives much closer to us. Such scenes of maternal affection; matrimony; friendship; war and the grim reality of the master/slave relationship help focus our perception of the African-American experience in America in ways not otherwise available to the modern reader. Among these images is the only picture of Abraham Lincoln in the company of an African-American and the earliest known daguerreotype of Frederick Douglass (circa 1843).
#113895 in Books 2001-01-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.30 x .32 x 5.52l; .47 #File Name: 0312183100194 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very Brief History; Good DocumentsBy maethorwenWhen Brent Shaw says "a brief history"; he means brief.This could have used a bit more in the history part; especially on Spartacus and the revolt he led since his name is in the title of the work.While there was good information in the first part; to me the real strength of this work is the second part which contains translated primary sources.It is a useful source for anyone studying this period; but don't expect too much in the way of detail.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Brief but brilliantBy Justin MingusGreat and brief source on the Servile Wars/Spartacus.It truly is fascinating how few ancient sources remain. This would be a great supplementary source for any course on Roman history; as well as courses on Historiography/methodology.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good for historians and studentsBy Joseph H. TrochezI used this to great effect on a research paper I did on Spartacus. It had a lot information on Spartacus and the insurrection he led against Rome. I would recommend this if you are looking for a good source on Spartacus or you are simply interested in history.
