Black Sailors: Afro-American Merchant Seamen and Whalemen Prior to the Civil War - Hardcover

by Martha S. Putney (Author)

This is the first book to document thoroughly the lifestyle and collective experience of the many thousands of black sailors during this time period. Numerous illustrations in the form of original charts, tables, crew lists, and customs records support the text. In a penetrating study, the author unveils the enormous contribution made prior to the Civil War to the nation's economy, prestige, and power by black Americans.

Author Biography

MARTHA S.PUTNEY is retired as Professor of History and Chairman of the Department of History and Geography at Bowie State College in Maryland.