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The Color of Abolition: How a Printer, a Prophet, and a Contessa Moved a Nation
The story of the fascinating, fraught alliance among Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, Maria Weston Chapman—and of how its break-up led to the success of America's most important social movement
In the crucial early years of the Abolition movement, the Boston branch of the cause seized upon the star power of the eloquent ex-slave Frederick Douglass to make its case for slaves' freedom. Journalist William Lloyd Garrison promoted emancipation while Garrison loyalist Maria Weston Chapman, known as the “Contessa,” raised money and managed Douglass’ speaking tour from her Boston townhouse.
Conventional histories have seen Douglass’ departure for the New York wing of the Abolition party as a result of a rift between Douglass and Garrison. But, as acclaimed historian Linda Hirshman reveals, this completely misses the woman in power. Weston Chapman wrote cutting letters to Douglass, doubting his loyalty; the Bostonian abolitionists were shot through with racist prejudice, even aiming the N-word at Douglass among themselves. Through incisive, original analysis, Hirshman convinces that the inevitable break-up was in fact a successful failure. Eventually, as the most sought-after Black activist in America, Douglass was able to dangle the prize of his endorsement over the Republican Party’s candidate for President, Abraham Lincoln. Two years later the abolition of slavery—if not the abolition of racism—became immutable law.
In the crucial early years of the Abolition movement, the Boston branch of the cause seized upon the star power of the eloquent ex-slave Frederick Douglass to make its case for slaves' freedom. Journalist William Lloyd Garrison promoted emancipation while Garrison loyalist Maria Weston Chapman, known as the “Contessa,” raised money and managed Douglass’ speaking tour from her Boston townhouse.
Conventional histories have seen Douglass’ departure for the New York wing of the Abolition party as a result of a rift between Douglass and Garrison. But, as acclaimed historian Linda Hirshman reveals, this completely misses the woman in power. Weston Chapman wrote cutting letters to Douglass, doubting his loyalty; the Bostonian abolitionists were shot through with racist prejudice, even aiming the N-word at Douglass among themselves. Through incisive, original analysis, Hirshman convinces that the inevitable break-up was in fact a successful failure. Eventually, as the most sought-after Black activist in America, Douglass was able to dangle the prize of his endorsement over the Republican Party’s candidate for President, Abraham Lincoln. Two years later the abolition of slavery—if not the abolition of racism—became immutable law.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published February 8, 2022
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July 11, 2022
Unholy partnership of Frederick Douglass with white abolitionists (five stars)
Much is known about the white abolitionists who engaged in the anti-slavery movement in 18th and 19th century America. There were also many African-American pioneer abolitionists who were active in their own abolition activities that included call for complete social and political equality for all people. But historically their efforts were ignored or downplayed. This book by Linda Hirshman, a former Professor of Law and Women’s studies program at the Brandies University in Massachusetts narrate the story about the uneasy alliance of pioneer abolitionist Frederick Douglass with white abolitionists William Lloyd Garrison and Maria Weston Chapman. Maria Weston Chapman was an executive committee member of the American Anti-Slavery Society in 1839 and she also served as editor of the anti-slavery journal “The Non-Resistant.” Maria was a "Garrisonian" abolitionist who believed in an uncompromising end to slavery by "moral suasion" or non-resistance. They rejected political and institutional coercion by churches, politicians, and the federal government for ending slavery. Maria Chapman became central figure among wealthy and socially prominent supporters of William Lloyd Garrison in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1835, Chapman assumed the leadership of the Boston Anti-Slavery Bazaar as a major fundraising event. Many abolitionists then discovered modern methods of solicitation for funds for abolition movement.
Frederick Douglass went on a speech tour to England and Ireland, as many former slaves had previously done. He traveled in Ireland as the Great Famine was beginning, despite that the feeling of freedom from American racial discrimination amazed Douglass. He spent two years there lecturing in churches and chapels. His draw was such that some facilities were "crowded to suffocation". One example was his hugely popular London Reception Speech, which Douglass delivered in May 1846. Douglass observed that in England and Ireland he was treated with respect without any racial bias. During this trip Douglass became legally free, as English supporters led by Anna Richardson, an English abolitionist raised funds to buy his freedom from his American owner Thomas Auld.
Douglass began to realize that white abolitionists in Boston had been working to undermine his European trip. Before he’d even left American shores, they had privately written his British hosts and impugned his motives and character. Author Hirshman initially considered Maria Chapman as a feminist, but after examining Chapman’s voluminous correspondence, she discovered the ugly personal rivalries and private politics at the center of a shaky alliance between the uncompromising Garrison and Chapman on one side, and the ambitious and self-possessed Douglass on other side. Douglass ultimately deserted the Garrisonians, and joined the Gerrit Smith faction of abolitionism, and adopt its antislavery reading of the Constitution. The author concludes that Garrisonians did not accept the full humanity of Frederick Douglass.
In addition to abolition, Douglass became an outspoken supporter of women’s rights. In 1848 at the Seneca Falls convention on women's rights. Douglass stood and spoke eloquently in favor of women’s suffrage. Later, Victoria Woodhull of Equal Rights Party, who ran for president against Ulysses S. Grant, chose Frederick Douglass as her running mate in the 1872 election.
Douglass also caused considerable controversy for marrying Helen Pitts, a white feminist from Honeoye, New York. She was a graduate of Mount Holyoke College and worked on radical feminist publications and shared many of Douglass’ moral and political principles. They were married until Douglass’s death.
This book reads flawlessly, and it sheds new light on personal and political prejudices in the workings of white abolitionists like Garrisonians.
Much is known about the white abolitionists who engaged in the anti-slavery movement in 18th and 19th century America. There were also many African-American pioneer abolitionists who were active in their own abolition activities that included call for complete social and political equality for all people. But historically their efforts were ignored or downplayed. This book by Linda Hirshman, a former Professor of Law and Women’s studies program at the Brandies University in Massachusetts narrate the story about the uneasy alliance of pioneer abolitionist Frederick Douglass with white abolitionists William Lloyd Garrison and Maria Weston Chapman. Maria Weston Chapman was an executive committee member of the American Anti-Slavery Society in 1839 and she also served as editor of the anti-slavery journal “The Non-Resistant.” Maria was a "Garrisonian" abolitionist who believed in an uncompromising end to slavery by "moral suasion" or non-resistance. They rejected political and institutional coercion by churches, politicians, and the federal government for ending slavery. Maria Chapman became central figure among wealthy and socially prominent supporters of William Lloyd Garrison in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1835, Chapman assumed the leadership of the Boston Anti-Slavery Bazaar as a major fundraising event. Many abolitionists then discovered modern methods of solicitation for funds for abolition movement.
Frederick Douglass went on a speech tour to England and Ireland, as many former slaves had previously done. He traveled in Ireland as the Great Famine was beginning, despite that the feeling of freedom from American racial discrimination amazed Douglass. He spent two years there lecturing in churches and chapels. His draw was such that some facilities were "crowded to suffocation". One example was his hugely popular London Reception Speech, which Douglass delivered in May 1846. Douglass observed that in England and Ireland he was treated with respect without any racial bias. During this trip Douglass became legally free, as English supporters led by Anna Richardson, an English abolitionist raised funds to buy his freedom from his American owner Thomas Auld.
Douglass began to realize that white abolitionists in Boston had been working to undermine his European trip. Before he’d even left American shores, they had privately written his British hosts and impugned his motives and character. Author Hirshman initially considered Maria Chapman as a feminist, but after examining Chapman’s voluminous correspondence, she discovered the ugly personal rivalries and private politics at the center of a shaky alliance between the uncompromising Garrison and Chapman on one side, and the ambitious and self-possessed Douglass on other side. Douglass ultimately deserted the Garrisonians, and joined the Gerrit Smith faction of abolitionism, and adopt its antislavery reading of the Constitution. The author concludes that Garrisonians did not accept the full humanity of Frederick Douglass.
In addition to abolition, Douglass became an outspoken supporter of women’s rights. In 1848 at the Seneca Falls convention on women's rights. Douglass stood and spoke eloquently in favor of women’s suffrage. Later, Victoria Woodhull of Equal Rights Party, who ran for president against Ulysses S. Grant, chose Frederick Douglass as her running mate in the 1872 election.
Douglass also caused considerable controversy for marrying Helen Pitts, a white feminist from Honeoye, New York. She was a graduate of Mount Holyoke College and worked on radical feminist publications and shared many of Douglass’ moral and political principles. They were married until Douglass’s death.
This book reads flawlessly, and it sheds new light on personal and political prejudices in the workings of white abolitionists like Garrisonians.
July 25, 2022
To be honest, this book probably deserves more than a 3 star review.
It was well written and enjoyable.
It was a good overview of the subjects involved---particularly Douglass and Garrison.
I've read a fair amount on Douglass--including his autobiographies and Blight's Pulitzer Prize winning Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom. As these sources provide the foundation of her narrative on Douglass, *I* did not feel as if *I* had anything more than a cursory review of the subject.
Frederick Douglass encompassed about 50% of the book.
William Garrison encompassed about 30% of the book. Again, one of the areas that *I* am interested is newspaper history. Thus, much of the section dealing with Garrison felt like a cursory review for *me*.
I have to emphasize that this is MY impression and how it impacted ME. For somebody less familiar with the subjects, the book felt more than adequate. Like I said, it was well written and interesting---despite my knowledge of the subjects I finished it.
But that leads me to the final subject of the book---the Contessa. I do not know if it was a blind spot in my previous readings or Hirshman's attempt to make an ancillary character into a mover or shaker, but either way I was not overly familiar with Maria Weston Chapman.
*I* finished the book intrigued by her, but more than a little disappointed that I didn't know her better. She received third billing in the title---which is what she received in the book---third billing or about 20% of the book.
I finished the book thinking that Chapman was either a character whom I should know a lot more about OR a character that Hirshman is pushing upon us.
It was well written and enjoyable.
It was a good overview of the subjects involved---particularly Douglass and Garrison.
I've read a fair amount on Douglass--including his autobiographies and Blight's Pulitzer Prize winning Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom. As these sources provide the foundation of her narrative on Douglass, *I* did not feel as if *I* had anything more than a cursory review of the subject.
Frederick Douglass encompassed about 50% of the book.
William Garrison encompassed about 30% of the book. Again, one of the areas that *I* am interested is newspaper history. Thus, much of the section dealing with Garrison felt like a cursory review for *me*.
I have to emphasize that this is MY impression and how it impacted ME. For somebody less familiar with the subjects, the book felt more than adequate. Like I said, it was well written and interesting---despite my knowledge of the subjects I finished it.
But that leads me to the final subject of the book---the Contessa. I do not know if it was a blind spot in my previous readings or Hirshman's attempt to make an ancillary character into a mover or shaker, but either way I was not overly familiar with Maria Weston Chapman.
*I* finished the book intrigued by her, but more than a little disappointed that I didn't know her better. She received third billing in the title---which is what she received in the book---third billing or about 20% of the book.
I finished the book thinking that Chapman was either a character whom I should know a lot more about OR a character that Hirshman is pushing upon us.
September 15, 2021
Review copy from NetGalley for review consideration
"The Color of Abolition" by Linda Hirshman, author of "Reckoning: The Epic Battle Against Sexual Abuse and Harassment" as well as legal texts, is a new book focusing on the early years of the abolitionist movement in the United States. She traces the beginnings of the earliest abolitionists newspapers and to seminal figures such as William Lloyd Garrison to tracing how Frederick Douglass became involved in the movement. While there may be some collective myths imagining that most abolitionists and folks who supported the movement were in agreement with Frederick Douglass, this book focuses on the rifts that occurred, particularly between him and Garrison. Most histories of this topic have focused on the men involved and ignored the women, in particular, Maria Weston Chapman, who raised money and managed Douglass's speaking tour.
The book provides a comprehensive overview of how Douglass began his speaking engagements. People misunderstand or often don't consider how Frederick Douglass must have felt when he began his earliest speeches, having to deal with a sea of white faces in the audience. He was used to feeling fear, and it took great resilience to speak up. Some of those white faces, including William Lloyd Garrison, supported the momentum behind Douglass's earliest speeches and helped spread awareness of his messages. The book also chronicles Douglass's path to publication for most of his major works while expanding upon the disagreements he and Garrison as well as other folks in the abolitionist cause had, and why.
Next, the book also provides a solid overview of Garrison's life and how he came to be involved in the abolitionist movement. The book also provides great background on the abolitionist newspapers of the 1800s, how they came to establish themselves, and how they proliferated, as well as the challenges they faced on a regular basis.
The reader then learns about the "Contessa," Maria Weston Chapman, who she was, and how she came to play the pivotal role she did in supporting the works of Douglass.
Although some readers may struggle to get through the denser portions in the middle of the book that get into the nitty gritty of the legal matters of the day, including abolitionist members of Congress, this book is definitely a must-buy for libraries, both academic and public, and a well-researched resource on the particular facet that it focuses on.
"The Color of Abolition" by Linda Hirshman, author of "Reckoning: The Epic Battle Against Sexual Abuse and Harassment" as well as legal texts, is a new book focusing on the early years of the abolitionist movement in the United States. She traces the beginnings of the earliest abolitionists newspapers and to seminal figures such as William Lloyd Garrison to tracing how Frederick Douglass became involved in the movement. While there may be some collective myths imagining that most abolitionists and folks who supported the movement were in agreement with Frederick Douglass, this book focuses on the rifts that occurred, particularly between him and Garrison. Most histories of this topic have focused on the men involved and ignored the women, in particular, Maria Weston Chapman, who raised money and managed Douglass's speaking tour.
The book provides a comprehensive overview of how Douglass began his speaking engagements. People misunderstand or often don't consider how Frederick Douglass must have felt when he began his earliest speeches, having to deal with a sea of white faces in the audience. He was used to feeling fear, and it took great resilience to speak up. Some of those white faces, including William Lloyd Garrison, supported the momentum behind Douglass's earliest speeches and helped spread awareness of his messages. The book also chronicles Douglass's path to publication for most of his major works while expanding upon the disagreements he and Garrison as well as other folks in the abolitionist cause had, and why.
Next, the book also provides a solid overview of Garrison's life and how he came to be involved in the abolitionist movement. The book also provides great background on the abolitionist newspapers of the 1800s, how they came to establish themselves, and how they proliferated, as well as the challenges they faced on a regular basis.
The reader then learns about the "Contessa," Maria Weston Chapman, who she was, and how she came to play the pivotal role she did in supporting the works of Douglass.
Although some readers may struggle to get through the denser portions in the middle of the book that get into the nitty gritty of the legal matters of the day, including abolitionist members of Congress, this book is definitely a must-buy for libraries, both academic and public, and a well-researched resource on the particular facet that it focuses on.
March 23, 2022
I went to a virtual talk about this book by the author and am happy to report that the book is five stars. It is well researched and somewhat scholarly, but accessible to anyone. It is probably helpful to have some background about the subject of Abolition, but not necessary. I've read quite a bit on the subject, but still learned a lot.
While the book is five stars, the narration is not. The narrator needs to read more smoothly. I say finished on Audible, but really got through about two-thirds through and switched a library ebook. I don't want to discourage anyone from this book, and know that for some people audiobooks are their only way to read. If it is, then try to be patient because the book is really good.
Also, once again, Audible has not included a PDF file with the illustrations and references. I plan to get the paper book because I would like to have the physical book in my library, but I would like to have had the pictures available. There have been a few books like this so I usually borrow the ebook from the library. That is something Audible could fix!
While the book is five stars, the narration is not. The narrator needs to read more smoothly. I say finished on Audible, but really got through about two-thirds through and switched a library ebook. I don't want to discourage anyone from this book, and know that for some people audiobooks are their only way to read. If it is, then try to be patient because the book is really good.
Also, once again, Audible has not included a PDF file with the illustrations and references. I plan to get the paper book because I would like to have the physical book in my library, but I would like to have had the pictures available. There have been a few books like this so I usually borrow the ebook from the library. That is something Audible could fix!
September 20, 2021
Linda Hirshman's "The Color Of Abolition" tells the story of the emergence of the abolition movement that gripped the United States in the early 1800's. She relates the story of Frederick Douglass and his supporters and detractors in chapters that play out as their own unique dramas. The writing is lively and sheds a light on parts of American history that have been obscured. This is a compelling read. Thanks to NetGalley for the preview and opportunity to read this book in advance of its publication. #NetGalley #thecolorofabolition
April 18, 2022
Hirshman has dug into many letters and other original source documents to under much of the backstory of the abolition movement and the alliance between William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass that lasted between 1841-53. As early as the 1830s, Garrison advocated for what nearly all Americans considered too radical then: an immediate end of slavery. Even few in the North had much passion to stop slavery in those days; indeed, some saw "colonization" as the solution: shipping Black people back to Africa.
Clergy didn't take a leading role in the 1830s. New England churches banished preachers from the pulpits if they dared label slavery a sin. Churches instead focused on "holiness" issues like maintaining the Sabbath. Such thinking caused Garrison to break with the Church. He also argued that moral persuasion would caused a change in society rather than politics.
Of course waiting for individuals to suddenly be enlightened didn't happen. It took a political upheaval to end slavery. Douglass realized the necessity of a political solution, one of the factors in his break with Garrison. Garrison kept arguing for nonresistance, even in the wake of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which allowed "slave catchers" free reign in the North to look for escaped slaves.
A bigger reason for the split, Hirshman contends, is white abolitionists, including Garrison, who found it inconceivable that a Black man like Douglass could strike out on his own and find success without white people guiding him. Of course Douglass, with his spellbinding oratory and firsthand experience of the cruelty of slavery, needed no overseer once he found freedom.
Clergy didn't take a leading role in the 1830s. New England churches banished preachers from the pulpits if they dared label slavery a sin. Churches instead focused on "holiness" issues like maintaining the Sabbath. Such thinking caused Garrison to break with the Church. He also argued that moral persuasion would caused a change in society rather than politics.
Of course waiting for individuals to suddenly be enlightened didn't happen. It took a political upheaval to end slavery. Douglass realized the necessity of a political solution, one of the factors in his break with Garrison. Garrison kept arguing for nonresistance, even in the wake of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which allowed "slave catchers" free reign in the North to look for escaped slaves.
A bigger reason for the split, Hirshman contends, is white abolitionists, including Garrison, who found it inconceivable that a Black man like Douglass could strike out on his own and find success without white people guiding him. Of course Douglass, with his spellbinding oratory and firsthand experience of the cruelty of slavery, needed no overseer once he found freedom.
June 10, 2023
Historian and legal scholar Linda Hirshman builds upon her track record in relaying women-centered stories as she chronicles the movement that ended slavery in the United States. "The Color of Abolition: How a Printer, a Prophet, and a Contessa Moved a Nation" shares the story of the interracial alliance that fueled abolitionist activism in the years leading up to the Civil War. In this page-turner, Hirshman focuses on the significant events and dynamics in the abolitionist movement that brought together journalist William Lloyd Garrison, wealthy financier Maria Weston Chapman, and riveting orator Frederick Douglass.
"The Color of Abolition" is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn about the interracial alliance that changed the moral course of a nation. Hirshman does an excellent job of providing ample background on key personalities as she draws parallels between abolitionist tactics and the modern-day movement for racial equity. Then as now, Black women played a pivotal role in supporting the movement. The Black church was central to resistance against slavery. Abolitionists used the cutting-edge technology of the time – the printing press – to disseminate fugitive slave narratives in an effort to change hearts and minds.
Well-intentioned White abolitionists worked toward eliminating the mortal sin of slavery from the continent, but challenges remained. Readers and reformers who are well-versed in the history of justice-oriented, multicultural coalitions will recognize the all-too-familiar machinations of White dominance.
"The Color of Abolition" is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn about the interracial alliance that changed the moral course of a nation. Hirshman does an excellent job of providing ample background on key personalities as she draws parallels between abolitionist tactics and the modern-day movement for racial equity. Then as now, Black women played a pivotal role in supporting the movement. The Black church was central to resistance against slavery. Abolitionists used the cutting-edge technology of the time – the printing press – to disseminate fugitive slave narratives in an effort to change hearts and minds.
Well-intentioned White abolitionists worked toward eliminating the mortal sin of slavery from the continent, but challenges remained. Readers and reformers who are well-versed in the history of justice-oriented, multicultural coalitions will recognize the all-too-familiar machinations of White dominance.
January 17, 2022
This book weaves together the stories of Frederick Douglass, Maria Weston Chapman, and William Lloyd Garrison and provides more context in how Douglass first got his start as a speaker on the Abolitionist Circuit. While many people might not realize it, women like Chapman were incredibly important for supporting speakers like Douglass and spreading their word. This wasn't the most lively written book about abolitionism that I have read recently, it would have helped if the writing style was less stilted.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review, but all opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review, but all opinions are my own.
February 23, 2022
Really excellent job is explaining the differences of approach to abolition between the Garrisonians and the Liberty Party led by Gerrit Smith to which Douglass later affiliated
The breakup of Douglass and the American Anti-Slavery Association of Garrison is well-told.
Maria Chapman's disparagement of Douglass seems like internecine squabbling of not very significant import to the larger story.
The breakup of Douglass and the American Anti-Slavery Association of Garrison is well-told.
Maria Chapman's disparagement of Douglass seems like internecine squabbling of not very significant import to the larger story.
March 9, 2022
A lot of this material is covered elsewhere, so in some ways I wish this had been a compelling article rather than a book. Because the original material--how dynamics of race, sex, and class intersected to change the abolitionist movement, through archival letters that reveal snobby Boston Brahmin abolitionists dismissing and trying to control Frederick Douglass because he wasn't their type--is pretty gripping.
May 19, 2022
Hirshman tells the story of the fractious American antislavery movement by exploring the short-lived alliance between Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, and Garrison loyalist "Contessa" Maria Weston Chapman, who raised money and managed Douglass's speaking tour from her Boston townhouse in the early years of the Abolition movement. An insightful history told from a unique angle.
May 19, 2022
Fascinating presentation of the role racism played in the antebellum abolitionist movement. Hirschman uses so many literary and cultural allusions (not to mention clever turns of phase), that I found myself chuckling more than I thought possible for such a serious subject.
Copious endnotes provide scholarly documentation without annoying the non-scholar with superscript numbering.
Copious endnotes provide scholarly documentation without annoying the non-scholar with superscript numbering.
May 30, 2022
Hirshman's account of the three leaders of the American abolition movement in the first half of the 19th century does a thorough job of covering her subjects. Her account is a reminder of how strong personalities can leave their mark on history in unexpected ways.
January 12, 2022
A brisk social/legal history of the Abolition movement from 1830ish-1865. Full review coming for Shelf Awareness.
February 14, 2022
Fascinating piece of American history- nothing is simple !
March 6, 2022
Interesting reading on the inside baseball workings of significant abolitionists.
March 19, 2022
Interesting history of the Northern Abolition movement and the main characters involved that caused the intersection of slavery states or freeland.
May 14, 2022
This was a very hard book for me to read. It did not capture my attention.
December 8, 2023
A good history lesson and good read. The compromise of 1850 and other historic occurrences and events described and explained.
October 7, 2022
I wanted to like this historical account of the political partnership between Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, and Maria Weston Chapman than I did. Historically, it's interesting and Hirshman explores these relationships thoughtfully and with an eye for how patronizing and racist white people can be when they work with Black leaders (among other important issues). I found it hard to follow at times, though, organizationally, and there were just odd stylistic moments that I couldn't shake. Like when Hirshman invokes Star Wars and Leia's plea to Obi Wan Kenobi that he's their only hope. A little too flip for my taste. Otherwise, a good read.
September 4, 2022
Super interesting book.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews