America's Good Terrorist

John Brown and the Harpers Ferry Raid

By: Charles P. Poland Jr.

Narrated by: David Stifel

John Brown is a common name, but the John Brown who masterminded the failed raid at Harpers Ferry was anything but common. His failed efforts have left an imprint upon our history, and his story still swirls in controversy. Was he a madman who felt his violent solution to slavery was ordained by Providence or a heroic freedom fighter who tried to liberate the downtrodden slave? These polar opposite characterizations of the violent abolitionist have captivated Americans.

When Brown's characteristics are compared to the definition of terrorism as set forth by scholars of terrorism, he fits the profile. Nevertheless, today Brown is a martyred hero who gave his life attempting to terminate the evil institution of human bondage. Brown's violent method of using terrorism to accomplish this is downplayed or ignored, despite being labeled by historians as America's first terrorist. The modern view of Brown has unintentionally made him a "good terrorist," despite the repugnance of terrorism that makes the thought of a benevolent or good terrorist an oxymoron.

This new biography covers Brown's background and the context to his decision to carry out the raid, a detailed narrative of the raid and its consequences for both those involved and America; and an exploration of the changing characterization of Brown since his death.

©2020 Charles P. Poland, Jr. (P)2021 Tantor

Great Summary of the Raid on Harper's Ferry

I don't know why it's requiring me to write something here, I just wanted to give this five stars.

Excellent information

This is an extremely comprehensive book on the life of John Brown and his raid at Harpers Ferry.

what a veiw

historical work done,informative and reminder of the human condition..if we do not learn from the lessons of the pass we a doomed to repeatedly go off the cliff..the build again with broken tools..