John Brown Mysteries

"John Brown Mysteries" focuses on the circumstances and events surrounding the raid on Harper's Ferry, Virginia in 1859. Jean Libby and her fellow historians have written a fascinating book that examines an often misunderstood milestone in American history. Specifically, this collection of essays makes clear the involvement of African Americans in John Brown's famous raid and dispels erroneous historical accounts that downplay or ignore the role of African Americans in Brown's war against slavery. My knowledge of John Brown was extremely limited until I read this book, and it introduced me to a man who should hold a prominent place in American history and be widely recognized as a role model for civil rights. I was surprised how little I knew about him; however this collection helped me understand that the absence of John Brown from my brain library of important Americans is the result of misrepresentations, omissions, and distortions of John Brown's achievements. Many historical accounts have marginalized Brown as unstable and overly zealous. But a man who was devoted to and gave his life for the abolition of slavery cannot be easily dismissed. "John Brown Mysteries" provides a much needed portrait of this complex and outstanding American, and it will hopefully encourage readers to continue to explore his life and contributions, as I have. In addition to its valuable text, the book includes many maps, period photographs, drawings and newspaper articles that help bring us into Brown's world. The book also tracks the origins of guns that may have been used at Harper's Ferry, demonstrating the meticulous detective work in which Libby and her associates engage. The collection's attention to historical sources and first-hand accounts of the raid validates it's credibility as an important document of American history. The group who produced this book is called Allies For Freedom, and their work continues today to research and promote the legacy of John Brown. There is also a documentary by Libby called "Mean To Be Free: John Brown's Black Nation Campaign" that is worth seeking out.