The Caning of Charles Sumner and my book, The Caning in the news – and beyond…
I’m pleased to have been asked to share my expertise and take part in several activities, interviews, and (upcoming) events related to my book The Caning, and to the caning of Charles Sumner (this dramatic episode will also be included in The Great Abolitionist). Here’s a sampling of five collaborations:
The Bill of Rights Institute Features My Lesson Plan on The Caning
I’m excited that the Virginia-based Bill of Rights Institute features my summary and student lesson plan on Charles Sumner and Preston Brooks based on my 2012 book, The Caning: The Assault the Drove America to Civil War. Brooks, a congressman from South Carolina, was Sumner’s assailant in the highly publicized event that The Caning analyzes. The lesson highlighted by the Bill of Rights Institute includes the outline of the event, a summary of the time period, review questions, AP (Advanced Placement) test practice questions, and numerous primary and secondary sources. Of course, the attack on Sumner will be included as part of The Great Abolitionist, but my new book will also cover the full breadth of Sumner’s contributions during the run-up to the Civil War, the war itself, and Reconstruction. If you or a student you know is interested in this dramatic era of American history, or specifically on this astonishing event that put the country irrevocably on the path to Civil War, I urge you to check out the lesson on the Bill of Rights Institute website and let me know what you think!
Recent U.S. Senate Dust-up Prompts Interview with Boston.com/Boston Globe Reporter
The recent U.S Senate dust-up between Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin and Teamster President Sean O’Brien prompted Boston Globe/Boston.com reporter Molly Farrar to reach out and ask me if we could draw any comparisons with the caning of Charles Sumner in May 1856. “No,” I replied, despite some in the media who attempted to do so. The recent skirmish (barely an event) was over quickly, involved words only, and I think will be little remembered. The caning of Charles Sumner, on the other hand, was one of the most shocking and provocative events in American history. It transformed the whole debate over slavery from an intellectual, religious, moral discussion to a visceral one, helped elect Abraham Lincoln as President in 1860, and put North and South on an inexorable road to Civil War. Check out the interview here
Abington, MA Selects The Caning as its community-wide read for 2024!
I’m thrilled that the Abington (MA) Public Library has selected The Caning as its “Abington Reads” choice for 2024! If you want to mark your calendars early, I’ll be appearing at the Abington Public Library (600 Gliniewicz Way) on March 14, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the book. You can find out more here. Just scroll down a bit and get the full info on this event!
