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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Bedtime Biography: Black Spartacus summary
Sudhir Hazareesingh
The Epic Life of Toussaint Louverture
4.3 (118 ratings)
40 mins
6 key ideas
Audio & text
What is Bedtime Biography: Black Spartacus about?
Narrated Valeri Ross
Music by Federico Coderoni
Black Spartacus (2020) tells the story of Toussaint Louverture, one of the leading figures in the Haitian Revolution in the late eighteenth century. It explores how Louverture, a man born into slavery, managed to overcome his position in society to lead the enslaved people of Haiti to first their freedom and then their independence from France. It was the first successful slave rebellion in history.
About the Author
Sudhir Hazareesingh is a historian who has written extensively on French history and culture, especially the period after the Revolution. He is a senior fellow and lecturer of politics at Balliol College, Oxford. His book, Black Spartacus, was nominated for the 2020 Ballie Gifford Prize.
Table of Contents
Bedtime Biography: Black Spartacus
summarized in 6 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 6
Introduction
Throughout history, there have been many, many slave rebellions. From the earliest human societies, enslaved people have risen up against their conditions in a fight for their freedom. A lot of these rebellions got close to victory, but no slave revolts – at least none that we know of – have actually succeeded in keeping their brief, but hard-won freedom. Despite the efforts of the enslaved people, the ruling regimes always prevailed.
Except in one case.
In this bedtime biography, we’ll explore the life and times of Toussaint Louverture. A man born into slavery, who rose up and helped lead the first ever successful revolt of enslaved people. So, settle in and turn your attention to the story of Toussaint Louverture, the Black Spartacus.
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Who should read Bedtime Biography: Black Spartacus
- Students of postcolonial history
- People who want to be inspired by figures in history
- Anyone interested in the history of Haiti or the Americas
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