Walker's Appeal, with a Brief Sketch of His Life: And Also, Garnet's Address to the Slaves of the United States of America

This superb book unites the abolitionist famous speeches of David Walker and Henry Highland Garnet - two famous African American campaigners opposing slavery in the 19th century. Filled with vociferous opposition, both campaigners condemn racism and hatred underpinning the perpetuation of slavery. Insight into feelings of the time are dispensed: it was dangerous to be abolitionist as it meant standing against powerful economic interests controlling the Southern states. Retaliation, violent or otherwise, was a constant possibility. Unlike abolitionists more ingratiated with the Establishment of the era, Walker and Garnet did not fear criticizing otherwise lauded figures such as President Thomas Jefferson. As well as owning slaves, Jefferson published his opinion that black people were inherently inferior, and that their place in shackles was justified. That this view be espoused by a recent leader of the United States indicated, for Walker and Garnet, an urgent need for vigorous, sustained opposition.