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by Anthony W. Neal (Author)
In this new and expanded third edition of Unburdened by Conscience, Anthony W. Neal forcefully argues that influential historians have been unable to offer a complete account of antebellum-era American slavery because of their preoccupation with humanizing the slaveholders. He charges them with concealing the full horrors of slavery in order to present the slaveholders in a more favorable light. By skillfully weaving together searing firsthand accounts of courageous ex-slaves, Neal permits the reader to see slavery in the United States from their point of view. Former slaves talk candidly about the break-up of their marital unions and families and about matters rarely examined in most American slavery history books, including the slaveholders' legally sanctioned acts of violence, their practice of slave breeding, and their rape of black women. Through this powerful and compelling work, Neal gives a voice to black people who endured American slavery and presents a sobering record not found in most books on the topic.
Author Biography
Anthony W. Neal, a native of Boston, holds an A.B. with honors in history from Brown University and a J.D. from University of Texas School of Law. He has lectured on the topics of American slavery and civil rights and has been a panelist for Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education and the Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts, advising lawyers, employers, and employees on state and federal anti-discrimination laws. A community leader, artist, historian, and an attorney of twenty-five years, Unburdened by Conscience is his first book.
