Booklist Review of The Terrible Swift Sword

George Cohen

John Brown (1800–59) was an abolitionist who, with 21 followers, captured the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry. West Virginia, as part of an effort to liberate southern slaves. His group was defeated, and Brown was hanged after a trial in which he won sympathy as a martyr. He remains one of the most controversial figures in American culture — condemned by some as an early-day terrorist, yet eulogized by others as a tireless advocate of racial equality. In these 12 essays, scholars discuss Brown’s legacy, including a debate with Brown by using different criteria, analyzing his behavior, examining the ways in which he is depicted in literature, and discussing the cultural iconography surrounding him. The dozen scholar-authors represent the fields of history, literature, creative writing, psychology, criminal justice, African American studies, political science, film studies, and anthropology.

Booklist
July 2005