It's the rare history book that offers first-person knowledge combined with an understanding of the grander context in which the events depicted too place, but we have such a unique confluence in this 1919 book. Jesse May, born into a family of Midwest abolitionists and a Quaker noncombatant during the Civil War, grew up to become a respected historian and political scientist, and he brings his unusual perspective on slavery and abolition in America to this concise, clear-headed survey.

Each plate accompanied by guard sheet with descriptive letterpress. Textbook ed.

Geography of the crusade -- Early crusaders -- Turning-point -- Vindication of liberty -- Slavery issue in politics -- Passing of the Whig Party -- Underground railroad -- Books as anti-slavery weapons -- "Bleeding Kansas" -- Charles Sumner -- Kansas and Buchanan -- Supreme Court in politics -- John Brown -- Bibliographical note.