The Color of Abolition

How a Printer, a Prophet, and a Contessa Moved a Nation

By: Linda Hirshman

Narrated by: Je Nie Fleming, Rebecca Lee

The story of the fascinating, fraught alliance among Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, and Maria Weston Chapman—and how its breakup led to the success of America’s most important social movement.

“Fresh, provocative and engrossing.” —New York Times

In the crucial early years of the Abolition movement, the Boston branch of the cause seized upon the star power of the eloquent ex-slave Frederick Douglass to make its case for slaves’ freedom. Journalist William Lloyd Garrison promoted emancipation while Garrison loyalist Maria Weston Chapman, known as “the Contessa,” raised money and managed Douglass’s speaking tour from her Boston townhouse.

Conventional histories have seen Douglass’s departure for the New York wing of the Abolition party as a result of a rift between Douglass and Garrison. But, as acclaimed historian Linda Hirshman reveals, this completely misses the woman in power. Weston Chapman wrote cutting letters to Douglass, doubting his loyalty; the Bostonian abolitionists were shot through with racist prejudice, even aiming the N-word at Douglass among themselves. Through incisive, original analysis, Hirshman convinces that the inevitable breakup was in fact a successful failure. Eventually, as the most sought-after Black activist in America, Douglass was able to dangle the prize of his endorsement over the Republican Party’s candidate for president, Abraham Lincoln. Two years later the abolition of slavery—if not the abolition of racism—became immutable law.

Great book, not as great narration

I went to a virtual talk about this book by the author and am happy to report that the book is five stars. It is well researched and somewhat scholarly, but accessible to anyone. It is probably helpful to have some background about the subject of Abolition, but not necessary. I've read quite a bit on the subject, but still learned a lot.

While the book is five stars, the narration is not. The narrator needs to read more smoothly. I say finished, but really got through about two-thirds through and switched a library ebook. I don't want to discourage anyone from this book, and know that for some people audiobooks are their only way to read. If it is then try to be patient because the book is really good.

Also, once again, Audible has not included a PDF file with the illustrations and references. I plan to get the paper book because I would like to have the physical book in my library, but I would like to have had the pictures available here

Order it now!

Great book to have in your personal library. Very informative and a must read or listen. Definitely hitting the play button again and again on this one.