Edward Ball explores his family's history, addressing five taboo topics: "Religion, Sex, Death, Money, and the Negro." He reveals the story of the Ball family, prominent slaveholders in the South, who had over four thousand slaves working on their rice plantations until their liberation in 1865.
Edward Ball Books
Edward Ball delves into the complex legacy of the American South, unearthing the hidden histories of his family and the enduring impact of slavery. His work offers a penetrating examination of historical injustices and their persistent echoes in the present day. Ball employs a deeply personal yet rigorously researched approach, weaving memoir with historical investigation. His writing challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the past and its ongoing influence on contemporary society.






Slaves in the Family
- 576 pages
- 21 hours of reading
Explores the slave-holding dynasty of Elias Ball, a South Carolina plantation owner, the history of slave uprisings, and the memories of the descendants of those slaves.
The Sweet Hell Inside
The Rise of an Elite Black Family in the Segregated South
- 432 pages
- 16 hours of reading
Exploring the legacy of the Harleston family, this narrative delves into their complex heritage as descendants of a Southern gentleman and his slave. The story highlights their triumphs against racial adversity, enriched by insights from family archivist Edwina Harleston Whitlock. Key figures include a renowned portrait artist, a black classical composer from the 1920s Parisian scene, and the founder of the Jenkins Orphanage Band, which played a significant role in the evolution of ragtime and jazz music.
Set in the atmospheric backdrop of Charleston, South Carolina, this nonfiction mystery delves into the life of Dawn Langley Simmons, a British writer entangled in a remarkable sexual scandal during the 1960s. The narrative unfolds through a cast of intriguing and eccentric characters, exploring themes of identity and societal norms. The haunting gothic locale enhances the story's depth, inviting readers to uncover the complexities of Simmons' life and the secrets that surround her.
This facsimile reprint preserves the cultural significance of a scarce antiquarian work, offering readers a chance to engage with historical literature. While it may contain imperfections like marks and flawed pages due to its age, the edition aims to maintain fidelity to the original. The commitment to protecting and promoting literature is emphasized, making it an important addition for those interested in historical texts.
The book is a facsimile reprint, which means it reproduces the original work but may include imperfections like marks, notations, marginalia, and flawed pages. These characteristics may offer a glimpse into the historical context and previous readers' interactions with the text, adding a layer of authenticity to the reading experience.
Die Saga der Familie Ball, einer Dynastie von Plantagenbesitzern in South Carolina, die über hundertsiebzig Jahre hinweg insgesamt mehr als viertausend Sklaven besaß, ist zugleich die wie unter dem Mikroskop betrachtete Geschichte des amerikanischen Südens, der Revolution, des Bürgerkriegs und der Sklavenbefreiung. '(.) ein Meisterwerk der Geschichtsschreibung über die Sklaverei und die Folgen.' Die Welt
Slaven in de familie
Persoonlijke speurtocht naar voorouders, slaven, handelaren en hun verbondenheid door de eeuwen heen
- 384 pages
- 14 hours of reading
De geschiedenis -vanaf 1698- van een familie van grootgrondbezitters en slavenhouders en hun slaven in het zuiden van de Verenigde Staten.

