Books Like...
In "The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism" by Edward E. Baptist, the author meticulously examines the relationship between slavery and the American economic system. Through solid statistics and argument, Baptist demonstrates how American economic growth was powered by the forced toil of enslaved people, particularly in the cotton industry. The book interweaves personal narratives of enslaved individuals with rigorous research to highlight the economic dominance of slavery in shaping the national economy in the years leading up to the Civil War. Baptist's writing style is described as clear, detailed, and searing, offering a deep dive into the brutal realities of slavery and its lasting impact on American society.
If you liked The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism, here are the top 100 books to read next:
'An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States' by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz offers a perspective on American history told from the viewpoint of Indigenous peoples. The author delves into the genocidal program of the US settler colonial regime that has been largely omitted from traditional history books. Through the narrative, Dunbar-Ortiz reveals how Native Americans actively resisted the expansion of the US empire over centuries. discusses the atrocities committed against Indigenous peoples, the historical context of colonization, and the impact of settler colonialism on the Indigenous population.
The writing style of the book is described as informative, brutally honest, and necessary for understanding the reality of white Americans' actions towards Native Americans over the last four hundred years. While not a comprehensive history, the book presents a detailed account of Anglo-Indigenous relations throughout American history, shedding light on the sobering truth of the country's treatment of Indigenous peoples. Dunbar-Ortiz's work challenges traditional narratives of American history and encourages readers to view the nation's past from a different perspective, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and learning from the Indigenous perspective.
Humanoids existed on Earth for around four million years as hunters and gatherers living in small communal groups that through their movements found and populated every continent. Some two hundred tho...- #2
'Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America' by Ibram X. Kendi is a monumental and well-researched study on the history of racism in America. The book traces the evolution of racist ideas in America from the Puritans to the present day, focusing on key historical figures such as Cotton Mather, Thomas Jefferson, William Lloyd Garrison, W.E.B. DuBois, and Angela Davis. Kendi discusses the different ideologies of racism, from assimilationists to segregationists, and anti-racists, highlighting the complexities and intersections of race and racism throughout American history. The book is informative, eye-opening, and heart-breaking, providing a comprehensive understanding of the impact of racism on American society.
THEY WEATHERED BRUTAL WINTERS, suffered diseases, and learned to cope with the resisting Native Americans. But nothing brought more destruction to Puritan settlements than the Great Hurricane of 1635.... 'Killing Hope: U.S. Military and C.I.A. Interventions Since World War II' by William Blum is a detailed and heart-wrenching history of the USA's involvement in torture and murder in dozens of different countries in the last 60 years. The book meticulously documents American interventions throughout the world, including well-known events like Korea and Vietnam, as well as lesser-known interventions. Blum's writing style presents a harrowing picture of deceit, denial, and amoral manipulation to secure the industrial military political equilibrium, working chronologically through the last 60 years of political history.
Blum's 'Killing Hope' is described as a devastating attack on America's actual foreign policies, as opposed to the propaganda fed to the public. The book provides a damning view of US CIA policy since WWII, offering highly opinionated hot takes on US actions abroad, covering events from the '53 overthrow of Mossadegh to Dubya's invasion of Panama. The author's meticulous documentation, lack of indulgence in repetition, and use of mainstream sources like the NYT for citations make this book a detailed and shocking reference for understanding US foreign interventions post-WWII.
The two sides had been clashing across the Parallel for several years. What happened on that fateful day in June could thus be regarded as no more than the escalation of an ongoing civil war. The Nort...- #4
'The Counter-Revolution of 1776: Slave Resistance and the Origins of the United States of America' by Gerald Horne delves into the critical and paramount role of race, class, and the oppressive system in the birth of America, shedding light on the hidden truths behind the American Revolution. Through meticulous research and cogent observations, the author unveils how greed, chaos, and the counter-revolutionary spirit have driven historical events, exposing the hypocrisy of the Founding Fathers and the dark legacy of slavery that shaped the nation. Horne's narrative not only challenges the traditional founding myths but also highlights the intelligence, resourcefulness, and rebellious nature of enslaved individuals who played a significant role in shaping American history.
I had been working on the book at hand for some time and had traveled extensively. However, building renovations had prevented my access to the New York Historical Society in Manhattan until my tardy ... - #5
Clint Smith examines the portrayal of American slavery history by visiting various sites across America, such as Monticello, Whitney Plantation, Angola Prison, and Goree Island. Through different lenses presented in each site chapter, the book offers a unique perspective on the history of slavery, highlighting the strength, resiliency, and legacies of enslaved individuals. Smith's writing style is described as poetic, lyrical, and moving, effectively blending personal experiences with historical research to provide a comprehensive picture of the impact of slavery on American society.
THE SKY ABOVE THE MISSISSIPPI River stretched out like a song. The river was still in the windless afternoon, its water a yellowish-brown from the sediment it carried across thousands of miles of farm... - #6
"The Radical King" by Martin Luther King Jr. is a collection of King's major speeches, essays, and writings that shed light on his radical views on love, equality, and justice. is structured with short sentences at the beginning of each chapter introducing the theme, followed by one of King's powerful speeches. Readers appreciate that the book provides an unfiltered look at King's own words, allowing them to delve deeper into his thoughts and beliefs beyond the sanitized versions taught in schools.
Through the speeches in the book, readers learn about King's unwavering commitment to social justice, nonviolence, and equality for all people. highlights King's revolutionary ideas and his call for solidarity, unity, and peaceful activism to address the economic and social injustices prevalent in society. It challenges readers to rethink their understanding of King's legacy and recognize him as a radical thinker who fought for a nation that values and respects all individuals equally.
The following is a chapter from Dr. King’s memoir of the Montgomery bus boycott, Stride Toward Freedom (1958), which King described as “the chronicle of 50,000 Negroes who took to heart the principles... 'How Europe Underdeveloped Africa' by Walter Rodney is a detailed analysis of the historical factors contributing to Africa's underdevelopment compared to the 'First World'. Rodney's writing style is described as accessible and informative, providing a chronological sequence of Africa's development and European interference. He delves into the impact of slavery and colonialism on African societies, highlighting the strategies employed by Europeans to exploit and suppress the continent. Rodney's work is considered a seminal piece on the legacy of European destruction in Africa, offering a broad background on the history of European involvement on the continent.
In contrast with the surging growth of the countries in the socialist camp and the development taking place, albeit much more slowly, in the majority of the capitalist countries, is the unquestionable...- #8
'Women, Race & Class' by Angela Y. Davis is a thought-provoking collection of essays that delves into the intersectionality of feminism, race, and class in American history. Davis uncovers the historical and contemporary issues within women's movements that overlook the needs of black and other non-white women. She explores topics such as early rich white American lady reproductive rights work, the exclusion of women of color and working-class ladies from the movement, and the ties between the anti-slavery campaign and the struggle for women's suffrage. Through detailed research and insightful analysis, Davis sheds light on the racism and classism present in the women's liberation movement and advocates for unity in the fight for equality.
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"Revolutionary Suicide" by Huey P. Newton is a memoir detailing the struggles and experiences of the author before and during the creation of the Black Panther Party. It portrays Newton as a committed revolutionary, focused on action and results, despite facing insurmountable circumstances. The narrative delves into his intellectual growth, from self-teaching himself to read using Plato's works to developing a deep understanding of revolutionary ideologies like Marxism and Maoism.
Newton's writing style captivates readers through a candid account of his life, showcasing his vulnerability and honesty. provides a nuanced perspective on Newton's journey, from his upbringing in a loving yet resource-strained family to his role as a leader in the Black Panther Party. The narrative not only highlights Newton's personal growth but also sheds light on the socio-political climate of the time, making it an engaging and enlightening read.
Both of my parents were born in the Deep South, my father in Alabama, my mother in Louisiana. In the mid-thirties, their families migrated to Arkansas, where my parents met and married. They were very... 'Barracoon: The Story of the Last ?Black Cargo?' by Zora Neale Hurston narrates the life story of Cudjo Lewis, who was captured from Africa and brought to America on the last known slave ship, the Clotilda. delves into Cudjo's experiences before, during, and after slavery, highlighting his yearning for home, the love for his family, and the challenges he faced in America. Through Cudjo's own words and dialect, Hurston vividly portrays his journey from enslavement to freedom, including the establishment of Africatown post-Civil War.
not only provides a firsthand account of enslavement but also sheds light on life in Africa before enslavement, the establishment of Africatown, and the impact of slavery on individuals and communities. Hurston's writing style, capturing Cudjo's authentic voice and emotions, offers a poignant and informative narrative that educates readers about a lesser-known aspect of American history.
It was summer when I went to talk with Cudjo so his door was standing wide open. But I knew he was somewhere about the house before I entered the yard, because I had found the gate unlocked. When Cudj...