Citizen Toussaint

by Ralph Korngold

A figure of importance, as military leader, governor & administrator, as Negro leader of a just cause, this is an understanding & intelligent biography of the Haitian patriot & martyr, Toussaint Louverture, whose rise from slavery to ruler of his country was marked by the worldwide interest in freedom. Haitian history backgrounds his life with its interplay of Spanish, French & English forces, & the internal struggle between the upper & lower class whites, the mulattoes & the Negroes. Self-taught, Toussaint made no break from slavery until spark of insurrection was fanned, & then, rose rapidly to power. He disciplined his troops in guerilla tactics, joined with Spain, only to become France's ally against the British. The slaves emancipated, he battled Napoleon who wished to restore slavery. Deserted by his officers, treacherously betrayed, Toussaint died in a French prison without any kind of honor. Instructive & informative reading for these days.--Kirkus (edited)

338 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1944

Reviews

[Erik Graff · Rating 4 out of 5]

After graduating from Shimer College (Illinois) my stepbrother, Erik Badger, was invited to work down in Haiti by one of his professors who had been working there off and on for years. He went, was subjected to total immersion in a small village in the hills miles from the capital, learned the language and began to work in a literacy project.

During the months of immersion, Mr. Badger became a devoted correspondent, sending me many letters about his life in the countryside. I, for my part, knowing little of Haiti, started reading up about the country and its history. Korngold's biography of the most prominent leader of the Haitian slave revolt was the first book in this project. As Mr. Badger still is involved in the country, this project is ongoing. Eventually I may go down there myself.

Korngold's book works even for those with little knowledge of the Haitian revolution. I found it not only very accessible, but also extremely moving. Contrary to Pat Robertson, the revolt was predicated more on the French "Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen", on eighteenth century natural rights theory and the teachings of Jesus than it was on any pacts with demonic forces. Satan seemed at the time to be more involved in the policies of the European states, particularly Napoleon's after he betrayed his country's revolution and attempted, and failed, to reconquer Hispaniola.

[Stephen Paulmier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchased at a Library sale in Blue Hill Maine this book inspired new appreciation for the talents and courage of the masses. The introduction is itself a ringing indictment of the ruling class of the United States. The work describes the first successful revolution by the masses against imperialism. Appropriately acknowledging its leader and the class from which his genius springs this work is essential reading. The bibliography is exhaustive, an example for all! The class struggle for justice is recorded in these pages.