The Black Jacobins cover art

The Black Jacobins

Toussaint L'Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution

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The Black Jacobins

By: C. L. R. James, Christienna Fryar
Narrated by: Don Gilet
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

In 1791, inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution, the slaves of San Domingo rose in revolt. Despite invasion by a series of British, Spanish and Napoleonic armies, their twelve-year struggle led to the creation of Haiti, the first independent black republic outside Africa. Only three years later, the British and Americans ended the Atlantic slave trade.

In this outstanding example of vivid, committed and empathetic historical analysis, C. L. R. James illuminates these epoch-making events. He explores the appalling economic realities of the Caribbean economy, the roots of the world's only successful slave revolt and the utterly extraordinary former slave—Toussaint L'Ouverture—who led them. Explicitly written as part of the fight to end colonialism in Africa, The Black Jacobins put the slaves themselves centre stage, boldly forging their own destiny against nearly impossible odds. It remains one of the essential texts for understanding the Caribbean—and the region's inextricable links with Europe, Africa and the Americas.

©2001 C. L. R. James (P)2022 Penguin Audio 18th Century Americas Caribbean & West Indies Caribbean Creators Military Modern Caribbean Africa French Revolution Latin American War

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Most relevant
A difficult book to do justice given its importance and frequent use of lengthy quotes. but this speaker does a wonderful job of giving each historical figure a unique tone without falling into caricature.

as to the book itself, it's required reading for anyone with even a passing interest in the topic. an incredibly important book.

a classic read very well.

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this is history that is not taught and deliberately left to be forgotten.
Every black person has a duty to read this book and teach it to their children

the black Jacobin , a man to be remembered

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Learning the history of the French Caribbean and it’s link to socialism and the storming of Bastille. Everyone should be proud of Haitians for how they freed nations and transformed the world for good.

My favourite revolutionary read

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Excellent! It is a wonder why this aspect of history and this accomplished rendition of it is not more widely known nor forms part of any educational curriculum.
Perhaps it is not much of a ‘wonder’ at all!

Excellent!!!

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A very good informative read a ieminder to how barbaric slavery was and what black people have overcome and just shows their potential

Toussaint Louerture

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