Toussaint Louverture: A Black Jacobin in the Age of Revolutions (Revolutionary Lives)

Biography of the anti-imperialist fighter and slave liberator Toussaint Louverture, explored through the prism of his radical politics 'In overthrowing me, you have done no more than cut down the trunk of the tree of liberty - it will spring back from the roots, for they are numerous and deep.' - Toussaint Louverture The leader of the only successful slave revolt in history, Toussaint Louverture is seen by many to be one of the greatest anti-imperialist fighters who ever lived. Born into slavery on a Caribbean plantation, he was able to break from his bondage to lead an army of freed African slaves to victory against the professional armies of France, Spain and Britain in the Haitian Revolution of 1791-1804. In this biography, Louverture's fascinating life is explored through the prism of his radical politics. It champions this 'black Robespierre' whose revolutionary legacy had inspired people and movements in the two centuries since his death. For anyone interested in the roots of modern-day resistance movements and black political radicalism, Louverture's extraordinary life provides the perfect starting point. Endorsements: 'A spirited, nuanced profile of this great revolutionary leader. The book provides a fascinating analysis of the range of reactions to Toussaint, from Wordsworth in 1802 to contemporary comic books and rap' - Alyssa Sepinwall, Professor of History, California State University San Marcos 'Documents his political life while mapping one stage of the dual revolution, presenting Toussaint as a black Jacobin revolutionary. An important text' - Anthony Bogues, Asa Messer Professor of Humanities and Critical Theory, Brown University 'In overthrowing me, you have done no more than cut down the trunk of the tree of liberty - it will spring back from the roots, for they are numerous and deep.'

- Toussaint Louverture

The leader of the only successful slave revolt in history, Toussaint Louverture is seen by many to be one of the greatest anti-imperialist fighters who ever lived. Born into slavery on a Caribbean plantation, he was able to break from his bondage to lead an army of freed African slaves to victory against the professional armies of France, Spain and Britain in the Haitian Revolution of 1791-1804.

In this biography, Louverture's fascinating life is explored through the prism of his radical politics. It champions this 'black Robespierre' whose revolutionary legacy had inspired people and movements in the two centuries since his death.

For anyone interested in the roots of modern-day resistance movements and black political radicalism, Louverture's extraordinary life provides the perfect starting point. The Leader Of The Only Successful Slave Revolt In History, Toussaint Louverture Is Seen By Many To Be One Of The Greatest Anti-imperialist Fighters Who Ever Lived. Born Into Slavery On A Caribbean Plantation, He Helped Lead An Army Of Former Enslaved Africans To Victory Against The Professional Armies Of France, Spain And Britain In The Haitian Revolution (1791-1804). Louverture's Fascinating Life Is Explored Here Through The Prism Of His Radical Politics. His Revolutionary Legacy Has Inspired Millions In The Two Centuries Since His Death. This Book Provides The Perfect Starting Point For Anyone Interested In The Roots Of Modern-day Resistance Movements And Black Political Radicalism Today.--back Cover. Toussaint Unchained : C. 1743-91 -- Making An Opening To Liberty : 1791-93 -- Black Jacobin Ascending : 1793-98 -- The Black Robespierre : 1798-1801 -- The Harder They Come, The Harder They Fall ... : 1801-03 -- ... One And All : 1804-. Charles Forsdick And Christian Høgsbjerg. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Toussaint Louverture (c1743-1803) was the heroic leading figure in the Haitian Revolution of 1791-1804, the only successful slave revolt in recorded history, and he remains an international inspiration, seen by many to be one of the greatest anti-imperialist fighters who ever lived. Toussaint was a military genius who led an army composed overwhelmingly of former enslaved Africans and people of African descent to victory after victory under the banner ?Liberty or Death? over the professional armies of France, Spain and Britain, before paying the ultimate price himself for refusing to compromise with imperial power at the expense of the maintenance of liberty for all. This new political biography of Toussaint aims to provide readers with an accessible yet scholarly introduction to his complex life while critically analysing Toussaint?s political thought, his contribution as a revolutionary leader, and his legacy for both Haiti and the wider world. La 4e de couverture indique : "The leader of the only successful slave revolt in history, Toussaint Louverture is seen by many to be one of the greatest anti-imperialist fighters who ever lived. Born into slavery on a Caribbean plantation, he helped lead an army of former enslaved Africans to victory against the professional armies of France, Spain and Britain in the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804). Louverture's fascinating life is explored here through the prism of his radical politics. His revolutionary legacy has inspired millions in the two centuries since his death. This book provides the perfect starting point for anyone interested in the roots of modern-day resistance movements and black political radicalism today." Acknowledgements Introduction 1. Toussaint Unchained: c. 1743-1791 2. Making an Opening to Liberty: 1791-1793 3. Black Jacobin Ascending: 1793-1798 4. The Black Robespierre: 1798-1802 5. The Harder They Come, The Harder They Fall...: 1801-1803 6. One and All: 1804- Notes Index 1 online resource (xii, 179 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates) :