Winthrop D. Jordan Knihy

The evolution of white perceptions of blacks from the colonial era to the justification of race-based slavery is meticulously explored in this definitive work. Winthrop D. Jordan's analysis remains foundational in the study of race in America, influencing all subsequent literature on slavery and racism. The second edition includes new forewords by historians Christopher Leslie Brown and Peter H. Wood, reinforcing the book's enduring significance in understanding the historical context of racial dynamics in America.

Set against the backdrop of 1861, a group of enslaved individuals in Mississippi attempted to escape their bondage through a daring conspiracy that ultimately led to brutal repercussions. The discovery of their plot resulted in the execution and severe punishment of many slaves. In 1971, Winthrop D. Jordan uncovered a previously unexamined transcript detailing the testimonies of these conspirators. This work offers a thorough analysis of those findings, shedding light on a significant yet often overlooked chapter in the struggle for freedom.