47 pages • 1 hour read
Midnight Rising
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Book Brief
384
Book • Nonfiction
Harpers Ferry, Virginia • 1850s
2011
Adult
18+ years
1200L
Super Short Summary
Midnight Rising: John Brown and the Raid That Sparked the Civil War by Tony Horwitz explores the life of John Brown, whose 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry aimed to incite a revolution against enslavement, tracing his early influences, radicalization, violent actions in Kansas, meticulous planning of the raid, and the raid’s aftermath, ultimately propelling the nation towards the Civil War. The book includes detailed descriptions of violence, racism and racial injustice, and enslavement.
Informative
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
6,844 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
Midnight Rising by Tony Horwitz offers a well-researched and vivid account of John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry, receiving praise for its engaging narrative and historical depth. Critics commend Horwitz's storytelling and character portrayal but note occasional dense passages that may challenge some readers. Overall, it's valued for its insightful look at a pivotal moment in American history.
Who Should Read Midnight Rising?
Readers who enjoy Midnight Rising by Tony Horwitz are typically history enthusiasts intrigued by America’s pre-Civil War era and radical abolitionist movements. Comparable to those who appreciate David McCullough’s John Adams or Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals, they seek richly detailed narratives rooted in historical events and figures.
6,844 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
John Brown
John Brown
An American abolitionist known for his attempted raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859, an event that heightened tensions before the Civil War.
Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass
A prominent former enslaved person and leader in the abolitionist movement who had complex interactions with Brown regarding strategies for ending enslavement.
Robert E. Lee
Robert E. Lee
Before gaining fame as a Confederate general, he was a U.S. Army colonel who played a key role in suppressing Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry.
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman
A courageous figure renowned for her work in the Underground Railroad, who supported Brown but did not participate in the Harpers Ferry raid.
James Buchanan
James Buchanan
The 15th president of the United States during the years leading up to the Civil War, representing the political challenges of the era.
Mary Ann Brown
Mary Ann Brown
The supportive wife of John Brown, noted for her resilience and dedication to his abolitionist mission despite personal losses.
Osborne Anderson
Osborne Anderson
One of the few African American participants in Brown’s Harpers Ferry raid, who later documented his experiences in a published account.
John Wilkes Booth
John Wilkes Booth
A famous actor and supporter of the Southern cause who witnessed Brown's execution, later known for assassinating President Abraham Lincoln.
Henry A. Wise
Henry A. Wise
The Virginia governor who managed the legal proceedings of Brown’s trial, highlighting themes of states' rights and federal authority.
384
Book • Nonfiction
Harpers Ferry, Virginia • 1850s
2011
Adult
18+ years
1200L
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