A Plea for Captain John Brown : Read to the citizens of Concord, Massachusetts on Sunday evening, October thirtieth, eighteen fifty-nine

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Thoreau, Henry David, 1817-1862

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"A Plea for Captain John Brown" by Henry David Thoreau is an impassioned speech delivered in the late 19th century that addresses the legacy and actions of abolitionist John Brown following his raid at Harpers Ferry. This work takes the form of a public address, wherein Thoreau defends Brown, portraying him as a noble figure fighting against the moral injustices of slavery. Thoreau aims to correct misconceptions spread by the media and society about Brown's character and motives, asserting that true justice requires the recognition of Brown's bravery and commitment to human rights. In this powerful oration, Thoreau outlines John Brown's life, his dedication to the abolitionist cause, and his belief in the right to take violent action against the institution of slavery. He recounts Brown's experiences, from his early life to his significant role in the Kansas conflict and ultimately his leadership during the Harpers Ferry raid. Thoreau describes Brown as a man of strong principles, unmatched courage, and profound humanity, contrasting him with the "sane" societal norms he condemns. The speech emphasizes the idea that true heroism can flourish in a society that often fears radical change, urging listeners to recognize and honor Brown's sacrifice for justice and liberty. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Jason Filley and David Widger

Notes:

Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Plea_for_Captain_John_Brown

Reading ease score: 67.2 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.

Release date is 2001-03-01