In the Matter of Nat Turner

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A bold new interpretation of Nat Turner and the slave rebellion that shocked the American South in 1831. Turner led a group of Southampton County slaves in a revolt that resulted in the deaths of fifty-five whites, primarily women and children. After two months of hiding, he was captured, convicted, and executed. This work delves beyond the simplistic portrayal of Turner as a mystic or self-styled preacher, exploring his journey of self-discovery, the emergence of his Christian faith, and the divine mission he believed he was given. Much about Turner remains elusive; his extraordinary life account, shared while he awaited trial, was recorded by a white attorney seeking profit from his notoriety. Nonetheless, Turner's influence on the American South was immediate and profound, marking his rebellion as a pivotal moment in U.S. history. Christopher Tomlins offers an insightful exploration of Turner's intellectual growth, religious beliefs, and motivations, alongside a fresh analysis of the rebellion's effects on Virginia politics. Additionally, Tomlins critically assesses William Styron's 1967 novel, which reintroduced Turner during a transformative era in American society. This speculative history aims to reconstruct Turner's legacy from limited evidence, while also reflecting on the significance and interpretation of history itself.