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House Built by Slaves

House Built by Slaves

African American Visitors to the Lincoln White House
HistoryPolitics & Society
Pages
240
Published
2022
Language
English
Prose complexity
4/10

Vibe

InformativeReflectiveComplexIntellectual
Survival

Genres

History Politics & Society

About the author

J
Jonathan W. White

Jonathan W. White is professor of American Studies at Christopher Newport University. He is the author or editor of 17 books that cover a variety of topics including civil liberties during the Civil War, the USS Monitor and the Battle of Hampton Roads, the presidential election of 1864, and what Abraham Lincoln and soldiers dreamt about.

Frequently asked questions

  • What makes this book different from other histories of the White House?

    This book distinguishes itself by focusing almost exclusively on the enslaved individuals who built and maintained the White House, rather than on the presidents or political events. It uses extensive archival research to reconstruct their daily lives and contributions, offering a perspective often overlooked in broader historical narratives.

  • Is this book suitable for readers new to the topic of slavery and American history?

    While deeply researched, the book is written in an accessible style that makes it suitable for general readers, not just academics. It provides necessary context for those less familiar with the specifics of slavery's role in early American infrastructure.

  • Does this book connect to other works by Jonathan W. White?

    Jonathan W. White is known for his work on the Civil War era and American history, and this book continues his exploration of overlooked aspects of American society and its foundational conflicts. It shares a thematic interest in the human cost and moral complexities of historical events with his other publications.