“One of the landmark works in intellectual history in this decade . . . a powerful and necessary work about race, memory, and the creation of history in a fragile, multiracial democracy.”

—Robert Greene II, Society for US Intellectual History Book Review

“[A] rich and often fascinating narrative.”

—Jessica T. Mathews, Foreign Affairs

“Spillman is an exceptionally thoughtful and engaging guide through the questions and debates that have animated the study of slavery — and freedom — in America for the past two-and-a-half centuries.”

—Hannah Joyner, Washington Independent Review of Books

“Simply amazing—a brilliant tour d'horizon of 250 years of American thinking and writing about slavery.”

—James T. Campbell, author of Middle Passages

“Spillman shows us the stakes regarding the history of slavery could not be higher. Brilliant, biting, and timely.”

—Kellie Carter Jackson, author of We Refuse

“A breathtaking survey . . . essential reading for anyone who hopes to come to terms with America’s tortured past.”

—James Oakes, author of Freedom National

“An essential book.”

—David A. Bell, Princeton University