Author: Jeremy D. Popkin
publisher name: The University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 9780226675831
"Facing Racial Revolution" by Jeremy D. Popkin explores the Haitian Revolution, recognized as the only successful slave uprising in the Atlantic world. This revolution led to the establishment of the first independent black republic. The book delves into the firsthand narratives of this pivotal period that have long remained obscure.
Jeremy D. Popkin unearths and presents excerpts from over a dozen accounts written by white colonists struggling to comprehend a world that was rapidly changing due to the revolution. These dramatic writings offer a direct portrayal of the revolutionaries, depicting encounters with key figures like Toussaint L'Ouverture, Boukman, and Jean-Jacques Dessalines, shedding light on the anonymous participants in this historic moment.
The book is enriched with expert commentary on each selection, providing essential context about the authors and incidents described. Popkin addresses the reliability of the witnesses and prompts readers to consider the implications of the narrators' perspectives.
Published by the University of Chicago Press, this collection of testimonies expands our understanding of the Haitian Revolution, a significant event that played a role in shaping the modern world.
