Night of Fire: The Black Napoleon and the Battle for Haiti [Hardcover]

Martin Ros (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1993

The largest, and only successful, slave revolt in history took place in Haiti shortly after the French Revolution. First organized by a voodoo priest, the rebellion soon came under the leadership of an educated, Catholic slave named Toussaint Louverture -- a man of such military and political skill that he was referred to by contemporaries as the "Black Napoleon".

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Toussaint Louverture, the leader of the slave revolt in 1791 that successfully fought French, Spanish, and British armies and eventually established the Haitian republic, is one of the more famous names in black history. A brilliant leader, tactician, and statesman, Louverture has been the subject of much interest over the years. Ros's book, first published in Amsterdam in 1991, is not only the story of Louverture but of the conditions leading to the slave revolts and the shifting social and geopolitical alliances that affected the outcome of the revolt. Ros, a Dutch writer and radio personality, has produced a popular history, suitable for general readers and one that makes fascinating reading. Recommended for public libraries.
- Paul H. Thomas, Hoover Inst, Lib., Stanford, Cal.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Martin Ros, a well-known writer, editor and radio personality in Holland, has had a lifelong fascination with the Caribbean. His previous books include Herves' Lives and Bloody Night at Mayerling.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Sarpedon Pub (August 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0962761389
• ISBN-13: 978-0962761386
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,105,769 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well written, researched book on the start of the revolution, July 13, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Night of Fire: The Black Napoleon and the Battle for Haiti (Hardcover)

This book,originally wrtitten in Dutch,is an exciting history of the only modern slave revolution. It is not a polemic for or against the Haitian people and makes no apologies for the atrocities committed by the French, Haitians, English and others who participated in the revolution. Rather is explains the motivations and thinking that led to the horrible bloodshed that is associated with the revolution.

The book conveys the politics and values of the time in a way that makes it fasinating reading, without making Toussaint or Dessaline cult heroes, or the French devils. It does, however, succeed in bringing the main characters to life, which adds greatly to the enjoyment of the book.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars slave rebellon in Haiti, December 27, 2000

By 

Deirdre Gaskin (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Night of Fire: The Black Napoleon and the Battle for Haiti (Hardcover)

This book was informative for me in that it brought a much deeper insight and understanding of the country and its people. This little island was so ravaged by France, England and America that it is no wonder that even today it remains one of the poorest, most disadvantaged countries in the world. There is evidence of remarkable research and documentation. The characters are well developed in personalities, beliefs and motives. The most outstanding character in the book is Toussaint Loverture, the slave who rose up with intelligence, courage and military expertise to inspire the fight for freedom from slavery. The dynamics between him and other military leaders represent fascinating reading. The switching of sides for personal gain was complex and the unbelieveable treachery against Loverture was devastating. Yet, in the face of overwhelming opposition he remained strong in persevering freedom for his people until the very end. He died a noble death and his principles should live on in the hearts of not only Haitians, but all the racially disadvantaged people in the world. An excellent historical novel!