In the Shadow of Liberty by Kenneth C. Davis - ISBN: 9781250144119
Paperback
From the bestselling author of the Don’t Know Much About] books, this lavishly designed, fully illustrated edition examines American slavery through the true stories of five enslaved people who were considered the property of some of the nation’s best-known presidents.

In the Shadow of Liberty

The Hidden History of Slavery, Four Presidents, and Five Black Lives

$37.09

  • Paperback

    304 pages

  • Release Date

    8 January 2019

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Summary

Did you know that many of America’s Founding Fathers–who fought for liberty and justice for all–were slave owners? Through the powerful stories of five enslaved people who were “owned” by four of our greatest presidents, this middle-grade nonfiction book helps set the record straight about the role slavery played in the founding of America.

From Billy Lee, valet to George Washington, to Alfred Jackson, personal manservant and lifelong slave of Andrew Jackson, these dramatic …

Book Details

ISBN-13:9781250144119
ISBN-10:1250144116
Author:Kenneth C. Davis
Publisher:Square Fish
Imprint:Square Fish
Format:Paperback
Number of Pages:304
Release Date:8 January 2019
Weight:481g
Dimensions:229mm x 155mm x 18mm
What They're Saying

Critics Review

”[A] powerful examination of five enslaved individuals and their presidential owners… . In a thoroughly researched and reasoned account, Davis exposes the intricacies of this impossibly tangled web.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review

The premise of this work is unique, and Davis has a very readable storytelling style… . An important and timely corrective.” –Kirkus Reviews

“By exploring the humanity of people held in bondage by early American presidents, Kenneth C. Davis once again turns American mythology into history. Read the book and be grateful.” –Marcus Rediker, author of The Slave Ship: A Human History

“The young woman was enslaved, but also privileged. She was part of the household of the nation’s first president. This powerful book tells her story, and others, which are surprising and have been unknown to most of us. They will give you insights into our American heritage that you may not have considered before. I hope In the Shadow of Liberty will be widely read. It is important and timely.” –Joy Hakim, author of A History of US (Oxford University Press)

“This well-researched book offers a chronological history of slavery in America and features five enslaved people and the four U.S. presidents who owned them…. A valuable, broad perspective on slavery.” –Booklist, starred review

“Compulsively readable… . A must-have selection.” –School Library Journal, starred review

“Davis’s solid research… accessible prose, and determination to make these stories known give young readers an important alternative to textbook representations of colonial life.” –The Horn Book

“Davis’ newest book is fascinating.” –Kids’ Home Library

About The Author

Kenneth C. Davis

Kenneth C. Davis is the New York Times-bestselling author of America’s Hidden History and Don’t Know Much About® History, which gave rise to the Don’t Know Much About® series of books for adults and children. A frequent guest on national television and radio and a Ted-Ed Educator, Davis enjoys Skype visits with middle- and high-school classrooms to discuss history. He lives in New York City.

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