Disowning Slavery

In "Disowning Slavery," author Joanne Pope Melish delves into the complex history of slavery's aftermath in New England. Published by Cornell University Press in 2000, this insightful work spans 277 pages and reveals how white citizens seemingly erased the existence of slavery from their collective memory following its abolition. Melish expertly utilizes a diverse range of primary sources, including slaveowners' diaries, children's daybooks, and racist broadsides, to illuminate the societal amnesia surrounding this crucial chapter in American history. This book is essential for anyone interested in 18th and 19th-century American history, antislavery movements, and the ongoing struggles for civil rights. Discover how the legacy of slavery continues to shape contemporary discussions on discrimination and racism in the United States. Perfect for historians, students, and anyone passionate about understanding the complexities of America's past, "Disowning Slavery" is a compelling read that challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths.