The biography uses primary source documents to chronicle Brown’s life and family, the abolitionists, killings at Pottawatomie, Kansas, the uprising at Harpers Ferry, and Brown’s trial and hanging. The Civil War, Emancipation Proclamation, slavery and free blacks are part of the well-authenticated story.

I had not heard of John Brown before I picked up this book and I'm sort of ashamed because I consider myself a civil war aficionado. While parts of this book felt extremely long, the photos and portraits did break up the narrative nicely. I would recommend this to lovers of history or who just want to learn more about obscure history. 5 out of 5 stars. ( )

Marrin writes as much about the history of slavery and the Civil War as he does about John Brown, but it's helpful in putting Brown's actions into an understandable context. Marrin does quite a good job discussing Brown as a terrorist and comparing his actions to those committed in recent times. Well-research, engrossing, thoughtful, and insightful. ( )

A detailed history of abolitionist John Brown's life. The book starts with Brown's personal history, describes the beginnings of slavery and ends after the Civil War. Includes photographs, maps, bibliography. ( )