Shadow of the Plantation (Black and African-American Studies) [Paperback]

Charles S. Johnson (Author), Joseph S. Himes (Introduction)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1560008784 | ISBN-13: 978-1560008781 | Publication Date: January 1, 1996

Shadow of the Plantation focuses on descendants of slaves in one rural Southern community in the early part of this century. In the process, Johnson reviews the troubled history of race relations in the United /States. When reread half a century after it was first written, Shadow of the Plantation is clearly revealed as a remarkably perceptive and fresh comment on race relations and the triumph of individuals over circumstances. Charles Johnson's book is significant for its use of multiple methodologies. The research took place in an ecological setting that was a dynamic element of the life of the community. The book is a multifaceted, interpretive survey of the 612 black families that composed the rural community of Macon County, Alabama, in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Johnson describes and analyes their families, economic situation, education, religious activities, recreational life, and health practices. Shadow of the Plantation manages to be both historically accurate and foresighted at the same time. It is as much a book about today as it is a discussion of yesterday. This volume is an important study that will be of value to sociologists, anthropologists, and black studies specialists.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A masterpeice of fact-finding...the effect is more like that of an art than of a science."

—John Crowe Ransom, American Review

"Dr. Johnson has sought his folk like a scientist, but he has written them with an artists spirit."

—Jonathan Daniels, Saturday Review

"Professor Johnson's excellent reporting is often as full of human interest as any of the fine fiction lately written on this subject."

—Samuel Gaillard Stoney, New York Herald Tribune  

About the Author

Charles S. Johnson was chairman of the Department of Social Sciences and later president of Fisk University from 1947 until 1956. He edited the journal Monthly Summary of Events and Trends in Race Relations as well as Opportunity Magaine. Among his many works are The Negro in American Civiliation; Growing Up in the Black Belt; and Bitter Canaan, published by Transaction.

Joseph S. Himes was Excellence Foundation Professor of Sociology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He contributed serveral chapters to books, over 100 other publications, and six books, including Social Planning in America, The Study of Sociology, Racial Conflict in America, Race and Ethnic Relations, and Conflict and Conflict Management.

Product Details

• Paperback: 215 pages
• Publisher: Transaction Publishers (January 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560008784
• ISBN-13: 978-1560008781
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,147,023 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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