The Strange Career of William Ellis
The Strange Career of William Ellis
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Brief
352
Biography • Nonfiction
Texas, Mexico • Late 19th century
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Strange Career of William Ellis by Karl Jacoby reconstructs the life of William Ellis, born into slavery on the Texas-Mexico border in 1864, who managed to navigate and transcend America's rigid racial boundaries. Adopting the alias Guillermo Enrique Eliseo, Ellis built a prosperous career as a New York businessman while leveraging his fluency in Spanish and ability to pass as Mexican.
Mysterious
Informative
Adventurous
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
407 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Karl Jacoby's The Strange Career of William Ellis is praised for its meticulous research and compelling narrative, offering deep insights into post-Reconstruction America. While some critics find the pace uneven at times, the book successfully illuminates lesser-known aspects of racial identity and borderland histories. Ideal for history enthusiasts seeking a nuanced perspective.
Who Should Read The Strange Career of William Ellis?
Readers who enjoy The Strange Career of William Ellis by Karl Jacoby are intrigued by complex historical figures bridging multiple cultures. Fans of The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot will appreciate Jacoby's detailed narrative and exploration of identity and race in American history.
407 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
352
Biography • Nonfiction
Texas, Mexico • Late 19th century
2006
Adult
18+ years
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