Downey allows readers to develop interest in the event’s main figures, helping enliven the discussion of the relevant legal issues. He also places the incident into context of both continental and at-sea slave rebellions, and of the fairly uneventful British abolition of slavery. It’s an enlightening book, and Downey’s framing of slavery within maritime history traces the development of a ... Read morefitful friendship between Britain and the U.S.
Publishers Weekly
Arthur Downey masterfully analyzes the legal and diplomatic turmoil surrounding the most successful slave revolt in U.S. history, on board the American vessel Creole in 1841. The Creole Affair sets the social and political scene in the United States, England, and the British Bahamas, where the slaves who seized control of the Creole sailed to gain their freedom. Downey brings to life the leading figures in this real-life drama, exploring through their eyes cases in Louisiana and the U.S. Supreme Court, diplomatic correspondence and treaty negotiations, and the work of a U.S.-British claims commission. Anyone interested in history, international relations, the law, or just a good story will find this thoroughly researched book a compelling read.
John E. Noyes, Chair of the Executive Committee, American Branch of the International Law Association, Roger J. Traynor Professor of Law, California Western School of Law This is a much needed study. The Creole Affair was crucial not just in relations between the free and slave states, but it had a major impact on U.S.-British affairs and could have easily led to a third war between the U.S. and Great Britain. Downey opens many insightful connections that have simply been untouched by other historians in the past. He looks at the event itself, as well as the personal and larger issues raised by this affair such as the nature of property and natural right for slave rebellion. Especially enlightening is his discussion of the legal and diplomatic maneuvers behind the scenes that led to its resolution. Downey has returned the Creole Affair to the importance it deserves.
Steven Deyle, University of Houston, author of Carry Me Back: The Domestic Slave Trade in American Life In American history, slave revolts were rare, successful revolts almost unheard of. It is therefore especially valuable to have Arthur T. Downey's well-researched political and diplomatic history of the 1841 uprising aboard the Creole.  It is an impressive achievement.
Marcus Rediker, author of The Amistad Rebellion: An Atlantic Odyssey of Slavery and Freedom Show Less