A review by nerfherder86
A Volcano Beneath the Snow: John Brown's War Against Slavery by Albert Marrin

4.0

Excellent narrative of John Brown's entire life, along with the background of the history of slavery as an institution and the causes of the Civil War, explaining how John Brown fit into it all. Shows him as a terrorist, a zealot, and a righteous man; author says Brown serves as a "warning against terrorism for a 'good cause.'" I found interesting that the author points out that Lincoln was racist-- he didn't believe that the races were equal, but he knew slavery was wrong. I also didn't realize that abolitionists were very zealous and wanted the breakup of the Union if necessary in order to stop slavery. I always find local connections to famous national historical events fascinating: I hadn't known that there was a Cleveland lawyer at John Brown's trial! And (reading from my notes so I might have this wrong, will check text) Brown's son had a farm in Ashtabula, and he bought weapons with money from abolitionists in Akron on his way to Kansas. Book has extensive sources, all quotes are cited, has bibliography and index. Black and white illustrations (historical materials) with good captions.