A bold new interpretation of Nat Turner and the slave rebellion that shocked the American South in 1831. Turner led a group of Southampton County slaves in a revolt that resulted in the deaths of fifty-five whites, primarily women and children. After two months of hiding, he was captured, convicted, and executed. This work delves beyond the simplistic portrayal of Turner as a mystic or self-styled preacher, exploring his journey of self-discovery, the emergence of his Christian faith, and the divine mission he believed he was given. Much about Turner remains elusive; his extraordinary life account, shared while he awaited trial, was recorded by a white attorney seeking profit from his notoriety. Nonetheless, Turner's influence on the American South was immediate and profound, marking his rebellion as a pivotal moment in U.S. history. Christopher Tomlins offers an insightful exploration of Turner's intellectual growth, religious beliefs, and motivations, alongside a fresh analysis of the rebellion's effects on Virginia politics. Additionally, Tomlins critically assesses William Styron's 1967 novel, which reintroduced Turner during a transformative era in American society. This speculative history aims to reconstruct Turner's legacy from limited evidence, while also reflecting on the significance and interpretation of history itself.
Christopher Tomlins Ordre des livres (chronologique)
Christopher Tomlins est un éminent professeur de droit dont les recherches explorent la relation complexe entre le droit, le travail et la formation de l'identité civique. Son travail examine de manière critique comment les structures juridiques et de travail ont façonné les conceptions de liberté et de citoyenneté durant les époques formatrices de la société coloniale et du début de l'Amérique. Il offre des perspectives profondes sur l'évolution historique de ces concepts, fournissant une perspective nuancée sur les forces qui ont défini l'identité américaine.
