Black Sailors: Afro-American Merchant Seamen and Whalemen Prior to the Civil War (Contributions in Afro-American and African Studies) [Hardcover]

Martha S. Putney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 14, 1987 | ISBN-10: 031325639X | ISBN-13: 978-0313256394

This is the first book to document thoroughly the lifestyle and collective experience of the many thousands of black sailors during this time period. Numerous illustrations in the form of original charts, tables, crew lists, and customs records support the text. In a penetrating study, the author unveils the enormous contribution made prior to the Civil War to the nation's economy, prestige, and power by black Americans.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A welcome contribution to what amounts to a new field of study, black history and the American maritime service. Blacks have served US naval, merchant, and whaling services since the beginning of this country's history. Putney's work combs the literature for a `head count' approach to demonstrate the universality of blacks in American sea service. The lists of black sailors are broken down into deckhands, mates, masters, and owners of ships. This litany would be dull reading if it were not for the newness of the topic and the extent of Putney's research.... The 12 pages of notes and 45 pages of appendixes are very helpful, as is the bibliography....”–Choice

“...[P]resents a wealth of information and statistics.”–Footsteps

“Students and scholars of Afro-American studies, American history, sociology, and race and ethnic relations in America will not want to miss this unique volume.”–A.L.B.R.

About the Author

MARTHA S.PUTNEY is retired as Professor of History and Chairman of the Department of History and Geography at Bowie State College in Maryland.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 184 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (May 14, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031325639X
• ISBN-13: 978-0313256394
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,716,700 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Black Sailors: Afro American Merchant Seamen and Whalemen Prior to the Civil War, October 17, 2005

By 

Susan Snider (Nevada City, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Black Sailors: Afro-American Merchant Seamen and Whalemen Prior to the Civil War (Contributions in Afro-American and African Studies) (Hardcover)

Putney has put together an impressive amount of factual data on this subject. Her research is comprehensive and well annotated. The extent of her sources provides for a compelling and credible read. A fascinating subject particularly for those pursuing African American studies. She has taken a rather obscure topic in the scholarly annals and given it well-researched attention.