Robert S. Levine Book order (chronological)

The narrative explores Andrew Johnson's presidency following Lincoln's assassination during a pivotal time in American history. Initially perceived as a progressive leader by the Black community, Johnson's early promises sparked hope for significant federal policies promoting Black equality. However, as his administration unfolded, Frederick Douglass, a key figure in the fight for Black rights, became disenchanted with Johnson's actions, leading to growing skepticism about the president's true commitment to supporting Black citizenship and rights.

The book provides a historical analysis of the American romance genre, highlighting its significance to American culture from the founding of the republic through the Civil War. Robert Levine presents a fresh perspective, revealing how romance literature shaped societal values and reflected the evolving identity of the nation during this transformative period.

William Wells Brown’s Clotel (1853), the first novel written by an African American, was published in London while Brown was still legally regarded as "property" within the borders of the United States. The novel was inspired by the story of Thomas Jefferson’s purported sexual relationship with his slave Sally Hemings. Brown fictionalizes the stories of Jefferson’s mistress, daughters, and granddaughters — all of whom are slaves — in order to demythologize the dominant U.S. cultural narrative celebrating Jefferson’s America as a nation of freedom and equality for all. The documents in this edition include excerpts from Brown’s sources for the novel — fiction, political essays, sermons, and presidential proclamations; selections that illuminate the range of contemporary attitudes concerning race, slavery, and prejudice; and pieces that advocate various methods of resistance and reform.