Books I recommend

I am often asked to recommend "the best books on John Brown." These are my picks.

John Brown, Abolitionist: The Man Who Killed Slavery, Sparked the Civil War, and Seeded Civil Rights

 By David S Reynolds

ISBN: 978-0375726152

This is the number one book that I recommend. The amount of detail and honest reporting of events that David S. Reynolds brings to the John Brown story is remarkable. Reynold's respect for the man and the war on slavery shows through on every page. The BEST of the John Brown Biographies. 

John Brown: The Man Who Lived. 

Essays in Honor of the Harper's Ferry Raid Sesquicentennial 1859-2009

By Louis A. DeCaro, Jr.

ISBN: 978-0557035199

A collection of 14 essays covering many subjects never touched on before. DeCaro shines a light on many aspects of the John Brown legacy and brings a deep feeling of humanity to the subject.  Well written, researched in great detail, this is a great addition to any John Brown collection.  I had the great honor of writing the preface for this book. 

John Brown Photo Chronology; catalog of the exhibition at Harpers Ferry 2009

By Jean Libby

ISBN: 978-0977363872

The first and only comprehensive study of the photographs of John Brown. 

 

 

 Patriotic Treason: John Brown and the Soul of America

 By Evan Carton

ISBN: 978-0803219465

This is the second biography that I suggest when asked for recommendations. Carton's writing style is easy to read, and adsorbing, yet open enough to allow the reader space to reflect on what John Brown's war on slavery meant, and continues to mean to the world today.

 Fire From the Midst of You: A Religious Life of John Brown

By Louis A. DeCaro, Jr.

ISBN: 978-0814719220

A biography that presents the religious beliefs and foundations that were an integral part of the man and his mission. John Brown believed in equality for all- regardless of gender, race, religion, monetary status - all PEOPLE were equal in his eyes.  DeCaro shows how Brown's religion was the central force in his life and his war.