John Brown: A Biography Review by W.E.B Du Bois
Author: Stefan
Published: 21 Nov 2022
In the year 1859, John Brown led a famous raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry with the intention of starting a slave rebellion. The raid was a failure, and Brown was captured and executed. His actions divided the nation and helped bring about the Civil War. Today, his legacy is still being debated. Was he a hero or a terrorist? Some of this can be learned by reading the John Brown Biography.
Who is John Brown, and what is he known for?
On October 16, 1859, John Brown led a group of 21 men—16 white and 5 black—in a raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry in Virginia. Brown’s intention was to start a slave rebellion by seizing weapons and inciting slaves to rebel against their masters. However, the raid was quickly thwarted. Brown and his men were besieged in the armory by US Marines under the command of Robert E. Lee. After two days, Brown was captured and put on trial for treason. He was found guilty and hanged on December 2, 1859.
Brown’s raid divided the nation. Northerners saw him as a hero who was willing to die for the cause of freedom. Southerners saw him as a terrorist and traitor who deserved to be put to death. The divide between North and South would only grow wider in the years leading up to the Civil War.
Today, John Brown is still a controversial figure. Some view him as a martyr who gave his life in the fight against slavery. Others view him as a fanatic whose actions helped bring about the Civil War. What do you think?
What is the best biography of John Brown?
One of the best biographies of John Brown is “John Brown: A Biography” by James McPherson. In this book, McPherson examines Brown’s life and legacy through a critical lens. He discusses Brown’s upbringing, his abolitionist activities, and his role in the Harpers Ferry raid. The book also includes accounts from contemporaries who knew Brown and witnessed his actions. McPherson looks beyond the myths and legends to give an honest assessment of Brown’s life and legacy. It is an essential book for anyone interested in learning more about John Brown and his role in history.
Another great biography of Brown is “John Brown: The Man Who Killed Slavery, Sparked the Civil War and Seeded Civil Rights” by David S. Reynolds. This book looks at Brown’s life and legacy from a unique perspective. Reynolds examines Brown’s religious faith, his anti-slavery beliefs, and his relationship with Frederick Douglass. The book also includes accounts from people who knew Brown and witnessed his actions. It is a fascinating look at one of the most controversial figures in American history.
These two biographies are essential reads for anyone interested in learning more about John Brown and his legacy. Both books provide an honest and critical look at one of the most important figures in American history.
John Brown: A Biography
by W.E.B Du Bois
W.E.B Du Bois’ John Brown: A Biography is a comprehensive and insightful look at the life of abolitionist John Brown. Written in 1909, it was one of the first biographies to focus solely on Brown himself, excluding his role as an abolitionist or as part of a larger movement. The book includes accounts from contemporaries who knew Brown, as well as Du Bois’ own analysis of the impact he had on American history.
In John Brown: A Biography, Du Bois examines Brown’s religious faith, his relationship with Frederick Douglass, and the significance of his actions both before and after Harpers Ferry. He emphasizes how Brown’s commitment to the abolitionist cause was unwavering and how his determination was ultimately a major factor in setting off the Civil War. Du Bois also looks at Brown’s legacy and its relevance to modern-day struggles for justice and equality.
John Brown: A Biography is an essential read for anyone interested in exploring the life and legacy of John Brown. Du Bois’ writing is eloquent and engaging, making this an absorbing read for all audiences. The book provides a comprehensive overview of one of the most important figures in American history and his impact on our nation today. Highly recommended!
The biography is available on Amazon.
Conclusion
John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry was a failed attempt at starting a slave rebellion. But while it may have been a failure, it did succeed in dividing the nation and helping bring about the Civil War. Today, his legacy is still being debated. Was he a hero or villain? That’s for you to decide.