69 pages 2 hours read

Edward E. Baptist

The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2013

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism by Edward E. Baptist challenges revisionist history by presenting slavery as essential to American wealth and power, detailing its brutal efficiency, political ramifications, and social impact from early America through the Civil War and beyond, using slave narratives and historical analysis to explore these themes. This book includes portrayals of violence, torture, and sexual violence against enslaved people.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Edward E. Baptist's The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism has been lauded for its groundbreaking analysis and comprehensive research, providing deep insights into the link between slavery and the growth of American capitalism. However, some critics argue that the narrative can be dense and occasionally one-sided. Overall, a powerful and enlightening read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism?

Readers with a keen interest in American history, slavery, and economic development will be captivated by The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism by Edward E. Baptist. Similar to the audience of Eric Foner’s Reconstruction and Sven Beckert’s Empire of Cotton, this book appeals to those intrigued by the intersection of history and economics.

RecommendedReading Age

16+years

Book Details

Themes

Values/Ideas: Music

Topics

History: U.S.

Race / Racism

Business / Economics