The Black Jacobins

Toussaint L'Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution

By: C.L.R. James

Narrated by: Ron Butler

Length: 14 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's Summary

A classic and impassioned account of the first revolution in the Third World.

This powerful, intensely dramatic book is the definitive account of the Haitian Revolution of 1794-1803, a revolution that began in the wake of the Bastille but became the model for the Third World liberation movements from Africa to Cuba. It is the story of the French colony of San Domingo, a place where the brutality of master toward slave was commonplace and ingeniously refined. And it is the story of a barely literate slave named Toussaint L'Ouverture, who led the black people of San Domingo in a successful struggle against successive invasions by overwhelming French, Spanish, and English forces and, in the process, helped form the first independent nation in the Caribbean.

©1963 Random House, Inc. (P)2019 Tantor

So you want a revolution?

The story of Haiti and the fight for liberty is a daunting tale of what is to be expected when rebelling against the tyrants of colonialism and imperialism. One that would do those who call themselves black in the US well to fully comprehend. With such comprehension they may be able to stop falling for the empty words of colonial leadership and identify them properly as such. To identify their current status in the U.S. as one of property that return profits that colonist would fight to death before liberating. To identify that as time has passed this master and slave relationship has only perfected itself to be subtle and even enjoyable without the context of history. Prime e

This book ultimately shows how the negro spirit has been successfully domesticated and docile. The heart of the Haitian rebels is long gone from the happily assimilated blacks we see today.

Vital History Little Taught

Toussaint L'Ouverture was a great military leader, the Bonaparte of the West Indies. I bought a hard copy of the book so as to be able to compare the narrative to maps and to be able to check names of the figures where the well-pronounced French names don't stick clearly in the memory of a native Anglophone.

Black Jacobins

This book was excellent. I didn't realize that it dealt so specifically with the Haitian Revolution, but I learned so much as a consequence. This book really brings to life Toussaint L'Overture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines. At the end, I felt as if I was in the prison cell with Toussaint. It was such a horrible ending to a man who wanted Black liberation while still holding on to the dream that he could negotiate with France.

Masterpiece of history beautifully performed.

The story of the Haitian revolution and the extraordinary Toussaint L'Overture is thrilling history.

James published this work in 1933 with an updating in 1963 which continues to be the published work, and which is read in this audio book beautifully by Butler.

James' writing is excellent, has a distinct immediacy, rich with nuance and significant detail that always propels the narrative forward and gives depth to L'Overture as a person, the relationships of all involved, and a great mastery in describing the sweep of individuals, communities, cultures, nations, global history, and destiny.

Cannot speak more highly about this work of historical scholarship. It is an exemplar.
Butler enriches the work with the clarity of his voice, its sonorous sound, expert diction, excellent performance. Truly a top audio book performer.

OFFICIAL-TISSUE

THIS READS LIKE A MOVIE THAT I WANNA PART IN...WHAT A HISTORY. NOW I'LL WAIT FOR THE SEQUEL...😏

just impressive!

absolutely impressive....I learned do much history..I have now a new found respect for the Haitian founding father.

A blessed Reading

On of the best reads in this platform ! The narration was truly awesome . I loved it

A good recount of Haiti’s slave revolt.

I appreciated the insights into the character of Toussaint Louverture and the detail of the battles fought. After finishing this book, I sat in solemn reflection of the destruction, bloodshed, barbarity and cruelty that birthed Haiti’s independence. Yet, the courageous determination to be free at all costs inspires. The Marxist terminology used seemed contrived. Great book, though.

Vital history that everyone should know

I've always wanted to read this and just couldn't find the time with a infant/toddler now I'm our lives. I was able to listen to this while working, which has been great. If you don't know this important and vital historical reference, you need to listen to this ASAP!

Good History Lesson

I enjoy any history that helps me to better understand current situations. I have a much better understanding of why Haiti and the Dominican Republic are what they are today.