About the book
The essential history of the extraordinary year in which American democracy and American slavery emerged hand in hand in Virginia
“If anyone today knows colonial Virginia, it is James Horn.” —Wall Street Journal
Along the banks of the James River, during an oppressively hot spell in the middle of summer 1619, two events occurred within a month of one another that would profoundly shape the course of history. At the end of July, the General Assembly—the first representative governing body in America—met in the newly built church at Jamestown. Several weeks later, two battered privateers entered the Chesapeake Bay carrying the first African slaves to arrive in mainland English America.
In 1619, historian James Horn sheds new light on the year that gave birth to the most important political development in American history, the rise of democracy, and then emergence of what would in time become one of the nation’s greatest challenges: the corrosive legacy of slavery and racism that has afflicted America ever since.
Questioning many of the cherished myths of our founding, 1619 is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand America’s true beginnings.
Editions of 1619
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780465064694
- EBook
- ISBN 9781541698802
Read an Excerpt
The essential history of the extraordinary year in which American democracy and American slavery emerged hand in hand in Virginia
“If anyone today knows colonial Virginia, it is James Horn.” —Wall Street Journal
Along the banks of the James River, during an oppressively hot spell in the middle of summer 1619, two events occurred within a month of one another that would profoundly shape the course of history. At the end of July, the General Assembly—the first representative governing body in America—met in the newly built church at Jamestown. Several weeks later, two battered privateers entered the Chesapeake Bay carrying the first African slaves to arrive in mainland English America.
In 1619, historian James Horn sheds new light on the year that gave birth to the most important political development in American history, the rise of democracy, and then emergence of what would in time become one of the nation’s greatest challenges: the corrosive legacy of slavery and racism that has afflicted America ever since.
Questioning many of the cherished myths of our founding, 1619 is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand America’s true beginnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 1619 about?
The essential history of the extraordinary year in which American democracy and American slavery emerged hand in hand in Virginia
“If anyone today knows colonial Virginia, it is James Horn.” —Wall Street Journal
Along the banks of the James River, during an oppressively hot spell in the middle of summer 1619, two events occurred within a month of one another that would profoundly shape the course of history. At the end of July, the General Assembly—the first representative governing body in America—met in the newly built church at Jamestown. Several weeks later, two battered privateers entered the Chesapeake Bay carrying the first African slaves to arrive in mainland English America.
In 1619, historian James Horn sheds new light on the year that gave birth to the most important political development in American history, the rise of democracy, and then emergence of what would in time become one of the nation’s greatest challenges: the corrosive legacy of slavery and racism that has afflicted America ever since.
Questioning many of the cherished myths of our founding, 1619 is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand America’s true beginnings.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in 1619?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of 1619?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780465064694
Who is/are the Author/s of the book 1619?
James Horn
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
1619 is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780465064694) and ebook(ISBN 9781541698802)
Where can I buy 1619 online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy 1619 from below