A Volcano Beneath the Snow: John Brown’s War Against Slavery

John Brown was an influential force on the American Civil War. Some argue that without him, the Civil War would never have happened because of his attack on Harper’s Ferry, where he and his sons endeavored to start a slave uprising by seizing a government arsenal in Virginia. Two of his sons were killed, and John Brown was hanged for treason. In A Volcano Beneath the Snow, we receive an introduction to John Brown and his pedigree, followed by a thorough explanation of the African slave trade; what effects it had on building America; John Brown’s plans and motivations; his attack in Virginia; the results of his actions; and his legacy.

This is an excellent book for learning about slavery in general, and the state of the Union before the Civil War, and of course to learn about John Brown and the attack on Harper’s Ferry. It is full of images, photos, documents, maps, posters, sketches, and diagrams, which bring the subject to life. It is full of information, and very accessible for a middle-school and above audience. This is a great book to begin a deeper study of the American Civil War.