BOOK BRIEF

The War Before the War: Fugitive Slaves and the Struggle for America's Soul from the Revolution to the Civil War

Andrew Delbanco
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The War Before the War: Fugitive Slaves and the Struggle for America's Soul from the Revolution to the Civil War

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018

Book Brief

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Andrew Delbanco

The War Before the War: Fugitive Slaves and the Struggle for America's Soul from the Revolution to the Civil War

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

464

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Period
American Civil War
Setting

United States • 19th century

Topic
Race & Racism

Military & War

Politics & Government
Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The War Before the War by Andrew Delbanco explores the impact of fugitive slaves on the United States from the Revolutionary era to the Civil War. Delbanco examines the moral and political tensions surrounding slavery, focusing on how individuals and events contributed to the nation's struggle with its conscience and eventual conflict over the institution of slavery.

Informative

Mysterious

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.5

1,269 ratings

88%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Andrew Delbanco's The War Before the War offers an insightful examination of fugitive slaves shaping America's moral and political landscape pre-Civil War. Praised for its vivid narrative and deep research, some find its pacing uneven. Still, its contribution to understanding tensions leading to the Civil War remains significant.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The War Before the War: Fugitive Slaves and the Struggle for America's Soul from the Revolution to the Civil War?

Readers who appreciated The Fiery Trial by Eric Foner or The Half Has Never Been Told by Edward E. Baptist will likely enjoy Andrew Delbanco's The War Before the War, as it explores the complex history of fugitive slaves and the moral conflicts leading to the Civil War with similar depth and insight.

4.5

1,269 ratings

88%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

464

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Period
American Civil War
Setting

United States • 19th century

Topic
Race & Racism

Military & War

Politics & Government
Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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