Pulitzer Prize finalist Philip Dray shines a light on a little known group of men: the nation's first black members of Congress. These men played a critical role in pushing for much-needed reforms in the wake of a traumatic civil war, including public education for all children, equal rights, and protection from Klan violence. But they have been either neglected or maligned by most historians--their "glorious failure" chalked up to corruption and "ill-preparedness."--From publisher description.

Boat thief [Robert Smalls] -- A new kind of nation -- Daddy Cain -- "The whirligig of time" -- Kukluxery -- Pinch -- The Colfax Massacre -- Capstone of the reconstructed Republic -- Divided time -- The eternal fitness of things -- Black Thursday -- A dual house -- Exodusting -- A rope of sand -- "The negroes' farewell".