Sabotage, Sedition and Sundry Acts of Rebellion

Aretha, David. Sabotage, Sedition and Sundry Acts of Rebellion. A Peculiar History Series. 2015. 112p. ISBN 978-1-59935-406-4. Available at 306.3 ARE on the library shelves.

Slavery in the United States is intricately linked with the history of the nation, from the growth of this “peculiar institution” to the Civil War that brought an end to it. Facts about slavery are well known, but the slaves’ perspectives are often ignored. This short book discusses the various rebellions that took place during the first three hundred years of the United States, and places each one in its historical context. Leaders of these rebellions, from Nat Turner to John Brown, are presented, and their actions are explained.

But active rebellion was only one facet of a desperate people attempting to survive horrible conditions. There were many more acts of insubordination, from askew glances to not working very hard for the master.

Throughout slavery, slaves’ primary goal was to survive, and, if possible escape. The Underground Railroad is explored, and active participants are presented. Finally, a chapter discusses the plight that slave women endured at the hands of their masters.

This book contains a timeline, a list of sources and an extensive bibliography, as well as an index. It is an excellent resource to discover something new about a well-known subject.