Toussaint Louverture cover art

Toussaint Louverture

A Revolutionary Life

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Toussaint Louverture

By: Philippe Girard
Narrated by: Paul Woodson
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About this listen

Toussaint Louverture's life was one of hardship, triumph, and contradiction. He was born a slave on Saint-Domingue, yet earned his freedom and established himself as a small-scale planter. He even purchased slaves of his own.

Philippe Girard shows how Louverture transformed himself from lowly freedman into revolutionary hero as the mastermind of the bloody slave revolt of 1791. By 1801, Louverture was governor of the colony where he had once been a slave. But his lifelong quest to be accepted as a member of the colonial elite ended in despair: he spent the last year of his life in a French prison cell. His example nevertheless inspired anticolonial and Black nationalist movements well into the 20th century.

Based on voluminous primary-source research, conducted in archives across the world and in multiple languages, Toussaint Louverture is the definitive biography of one of the most influential men in history.

©2016 Philippe Girard (P)2016 Tantor Americas Black & African American Caribbean & West Indies Historical Military Politicians Politics & Activism United States Caribbean Inspiring Africa Imperialism War Latin American Social justice Socialism Capitalism Haitian Revolution

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Critic reviews

"A compelling look at an extraordinary historical figure." (Library Journal)
All stars
Most relevant
concise and well researched book with in depth accounts a must read for a non bias view on Louvertures life

A must read

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Fantastic book about one of history’s great controversial figures. A pragmatic man who came out late from obscurity and overwhelmed the world he lived in. Tough decisions that clouded his legacy - having to zigzag and navigate through life, and the impossible decisions he had to make to fulfill his destiny. A tragic end, and legacy, even more by his descendants. A unique look into the history of enslaved peoples, and the unique relationship they had with the world.

The black Spartacus.

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This book does the topic justice; this is about a complexed and extraordinary man, this is commincated to the audience perfectly in a thoroughly entertaining and informative manner.
Highly recommended.

A must read.

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Excellent history of a political genius. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in human rights or international relations.

Excellent history of a political genius.

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