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.
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.
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.
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 Rise of an Elite Black Family in the Segregated South
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.
Edward Balls Vorfahren gehörten zu den großen Sklavenhalter-Dynastien im amerikanischen Süden, besaßen über zwanzig Reisplantagen und mehr als viertausend Sklaven, bis 1865 die Unionstruppen in South Carolina eintrafen und die Sklaven befreiten. Der Autor erzählt die Geschichte seiner Familie, in der über fünf Tabuthemen nicht gesprochen wurde: Religion, Sex, Tod, Geld und die Neger. Ein Nachfahre bricht dieses Schweigen und präsentiert eine authentische Familiensaga, in der Reichtum und Gewalt die Geschichte der Balls prägen. Ihre Nachfahren hielten an dem Mythos fest, dass die 'Ball-Sklaven' gut behandelt wurden, während die Realität oft das Gegenteil zeigte. Ann Simons Ball, liebevoll 'Oberst Nancy' genannt, war bekannt dafür, selbst zur Peitsche zu greifen. Edward Ball erweitert den Blick über seine eigene Familie hinaus und entdeckt, dass es heute etwa hunderttausend Nachfahren ehemaliger Sklaven der Familie Ball in den USA gibt. Er hat einige von ihnen aufgespürt und das jahrzehntelange Schweigen durchbrochen. Die Verbindung zwischen ihm und den Nachkommen der Sklaven ist tief, da die Balls über die Jahrhunderte hinweg zahlreiche illegitime Kinder mit ihren Sklavinnen zeugten. Die bewegenden Begegnungen zwischen den Nachfahren verdeutlichen die Auswirkungen der Sklaverei auf das Leben beider Gruppen und zeigen einen Mikrokosmos des amerikanischen Traumas, das aus der gemeinsamen Vergangenheit nicht entkommen kann.
