Plot summary, “In the Shadow of Liberty” by Kenneth C. Davis in 4 Minutes - Book Review
0"In the Shadow of Liberty: The Hidden History of Slavery, Four Presidents, and Five Black Lives" is a non-fiction book written by Kenneth C. Davis. Published in 2016, the book sheds light on the untold stories of enslaved individuals who were owned by some of America's most famous founding fathers and early presidents. It explores the lives and experiences of five enslaved people and their relationships with presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Andrew Jackson.
The book highlights the contradiction between the ideals of liberty and freedom upon which the United States was founded and the institution of slavery, which was deeply entrenched in the nation's history. Kenneth C. Davis examines the lives of the following five individuals:
Billy Lee: Enslaved by George Washington, Billy Lee served as Washington's personal valet and was a part of the American Revolutionary War.
Ona Judge: Owned by George Washington, Ona Judge escaped from slavery and became a fugitive, successfully evading capture and living her life as a free person.
Isaac Granger: Enslaved by Thomas Jefferson, Isaac Granger worked on Jefferson's plantation at Monticello and later gained his freedom.
Paul Jennings: Enslaved by James Madison, Paul Jennings served as Madison's personal servant and later wrote an autobiography about his experiences.
Alfred Jackson: Enslaved by Andrew Jackson, Alfred Jackson was one of the many enslaved individuals who lived and worked at the Hermitage, Andrew Jackson's plantation.
Through these individual stories, Kenneth C. Davis provides a more nuanced understanding of the lives of enslaved people and their contributions to American history. The book also explores the broader historical context of slavery in the United States and its impact on the nation's development.
"In the Shadow of Liberty" aims to highlight the complexities of American history, acknowledging both the ideals of liberty and the harsh realities of slavery that coexisted during the early years of the nation. It encourages readers to confront the uncomfortable truths of the past and consider the lasting legacy of slavery in contemporary America.