Peter's War: A New England Slave Boy and the American Revolution - Softcover

Malcolm, Joyce Lee

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0300168063 ISBN 13: 9780300168068

Publisher: Yale University Press, 2010

Synopsis

A riveting narrative of a New England slave boy caught up in the American Revolution

A boy named Peter, born to a slave in Massachusetts in 1763, was sold nineteen months later to a childless white couple there. This book recounts the fascinating history of how the American Revolution came to Peter's small town, how he joined the revolutionary army at the age of twelve, and how he participated in the battles of Bunker Hill and Yorktown and witnessed the surrender at Saratoga.

Joyce Lee Malcolm describes Peter’s home life in rural New England, which became increasingly unhappy as he grew aware of racial differences and prejudices. She then relates how he and other blacks, slave and free, joined the war to achieve their own independence. Malcolm juxtaposes Peter’s life in the patriot armies with that of the life of Titus, a New Jersey slave who fled to the British in 1775 and reemerged as a feared guerrilla leader.

A remarkable feat of investigation, Peter’s biography illuminates many themes in American history: race relations in New England, the prelude to and military history of the Revolutionary War, and the varied experience of black soldiers who fought on both sides.

About this title

About the Author:

Joyce Lee Malcolm is professor of law at George Mason University School of Law. She lives in Alexandria, VA.

Review:

"'In clear, engaging language, Malcolm reconstructs the surroundings, relationships and political atmosphere of the Revolution... Malcolm seamlessly captures the intersection of personal, political and military strategy. History buffs will revel in Peter's never-before-told story, which makes a vivid addition to Revolutionary War literature.' Kirkus Reviews"

About this edition

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0300168063
• ISBN 13: 9780300168068
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272