Leslie Harris

This book was produced to accompany the New York Historical Society exhibit Slavery in New York. In a series of chapters by respected scholars it tells the history of not only slavery and slaves, but African Americans in general, from the Dutch colonial days through the beginning of the 20th century. Although some reference is made to New York State, the clear focus is on New York City.

The book opens with three chronological chapters on slavery in Dutch New York, British New York and slavery in New York during the revolution. There are then five chapters that deal with different aspects of gradual emancipation and the rise of free black culture and society up to the Civil War. Then there is a chapter on New York's economic ties to the Southern slave economy, a chapter on African Americans in New York during the Civil War, and an epilogue briefly extending the story to the early 20th century.

In all, I thought the authors did a good job balancing scholarly and general interest, although I'm so far to the former that I might not be the best judge. One difficulty with a book that focuses exclusively one one group is that a more general trends may be obscured. I was quite interested in the sections on the rise of black political, cultural and social organizations. However, it is difficult to asses their significance and distinct characteristics without hearing about similar organizing among whites, and particularly white ethnic immigrant groups. But this is a small complain about a generally excellent book.… (meer)