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Midnight Rising: John Brown And The Raid That Sparked The Civil War (2011)

by Tony Horwitz(Favorite Author)

3.88 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

080509153X (ISBN13: 9780805091533)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Henry Holt and Co.

review 1: So, so good. This book is a wonderfully crafted account of not only John Brown, but also the myriad characters that assisted and opposed his attack on "that peculiar institution" of slavery. Romance, bravery, martyrdom, crushing irony, and gore - Harper's Ferry has it all. Modern history books do the Captain and his "raid" no justice. Horwitz's telling, on the other hand, is full of inspiration and intrigue capable of bringing the past alive and making connections oft-overlooked or forgotten (ie., Brown's effect on John Wilkes. Booth).
review 2: Midnight Rising is a nice narrative on the John Brown Story. Especially for new and more casual followers into the pre-Civil war events. True – this may not be the “scholarly” novel on John Brown some might desire... more. You can probably pick up a more detailed and thorough book delving into the man. But, that would be more for those deep into the character of the time and trying to dissect his though, intention, motivation, etc. All of which might be still difficult to conclude on a very complicated, smart, but also disturbed man. Midnight rising does a nice job of laying the foundation of “who is” John Brown and where did he come from. Giving enough detail on his complicated family and business life, his religious basis for operating, and behaviors (e.g. Kansas Attacks) leading up to Harpers Ferry. Having a better background knowledge on John Brown – I felt the descriptive and information presented was sufficient to keep the story moving and keep the reader interested / satisfied. The story on the Harpers raid was detailed and presented information I did not necessarily know. Readers would need to realize the events of that day are short and less dramatic than sometimes presented in history – so much of the detail and fervor is what lead up and to and after the raid itself. But – the impact is no less important on the Civil War and history. The descriptive of the trial and John Browns famous warning speech to the country is highly interested and detailed here. This book is a good entry way for readers and those interested in the Civil War to understand the impact of this man and the raid – and further inquire (beyond what Horwitz writes) on their own accord. It sets a good basis and is highly entertaining to read (it is written in a manner that keeps you wanting more). less

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