John Brown Sparked The Civil War In Kansas

American history portrays abolitionist John Brown as a madman, insane killer, and vicious fanatic. Brown’s legendary status was forged during the “Bleeding Kansas” Civil War and was solidified during the siege at Harpers Ferry.

Contemporary historians have softened their portrayal of John Brown by showing him to be a man of many passions. However, the historians’ rigid narratives have still fallen far short of portraying John Brown the man, father, husband, and a friend. This novel tells the tale of John Brown from the time that he made the decision to come to Kansas, through the Battle of Black Jack, which was considered by many to be the first regular battle of the American Civil War.

Brown’s voice, thoughts, emotions, and actions were drawn from the hundreds of letters written between Brown and his family, friends, and benefactors. Eyewitness accounts of Brown’s character, courage, and failings serve to bring a far different John Brown into focus. The historical events of the period and John’s life, as written by the primary historians, are painstakingly tracked in order to provide further authenticity to the story.