Free Some Day: The African-American Families of Monticello [Paperback]

Lucia Stanton (Author), David Brion Davis (Preface)

Book Description

Series: Monticello Monograph Series | Publication Date: February 6, 2002

Although Thomas Jefferson, author of the words "All men are created equal," was a lifelong enemy of the institution of slavery, he considered over six hundred human beings his legal possessions over the course of his long life. Building on Stanton's highly acclaimed Slavery at Monticello, this fascinating work highlights the stories of six enslaved families who lived and worked at Monticello and provides general information on events and issues that affected the entire African-American community.

Informed by the extensive records and accounts of Thomas Jefferson, the book also draws from oral histories of the descendants of former slaves as well as the reminiscences and letters left by men and women who lived in slavery at Monticello. Stanton unveils the lives of the African Americans who experienced bondage on Jefferson's plantations and examines the wide variety of ways in which individuals responded to their situation, whether as "trusty servants," resourceful leaders, or outright rebels. The book also chronicles the many accomplishments of Monticello slaves and their descendants, either during their enslavement, as the creators of hand-crafted furniture in Monticello's joinery and European-inspired cuisine served in the Monticello dining room; or after gaining freedom, as the founders of churches and schools and businesses. The skills practiced at Monticello were carried to all parts of the country, and the fight for education, freedom, and family integrity continued long after they left the mountaintop.

Editorial Reviews

Review

[Stanton's] extensive familiarity with the details of slavery at Monticello, based on many years of research, makes her certainly the most knowledgeable historian of the subject. Stanton's work brings us as close as possible to seeing the world of Monticello through the perspective of its enslaved community. (William and Mary Quarterly)

About the Author

Lucia Stanton is Shannon Senior Research Historian at Monticello and author or co-editor of four titles on Jefferson, including Slavery at Monticello and Jefferson's Memorandum Books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press (February 6, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1882886143
• ISBN-13: 978-1882886142
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #430,077 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #37 in Books > Education & Reference > Genealogy > United States
  • #89 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( J ) > Jefferson, Thomas

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, October 15, 2011

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Susan Elkins Ley "Susan and Richard Ley" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Free Some Day: The African-American Families of Monticello (Paperback)

Learned about this book during a tour of Monticello and ordered it. Very well written and illustrated. I recommend it highly.