THIS IS YET ANOTHER FINE WORK BY WILLIAM LOREN KATZ; I THINK THAT IT IS COMMENDABLE FOR HIM TO GIVE ME AND MY CHILDREN A SENSE OF PRIDE IN KNOWING THAT OUR PEOPLE MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO DEVELOPING THE WESTERN UNITED STATES. HOWEVER, THERE IS VERY LITTLE DOCUMENTATION. THIS IS INDEED AN EXCELLENT BOOK FOR THOSE WHO ARE EAGER TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HOW THE WEST WAS DEVELOPED WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM AMERICANS OF AFRICAN DESCENT. BUY THE BOOK AND I AM SURE YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.

One of the unique strengths of a history book by William Loren Katz is the rare photographs that usually accompany the text. Books like “The Black West” and “Black Indians” immediately come to mind. And he has done it again with “The Lincoln Brigade: A Picture History”, a series of compelling portraits of the brave Americans who volunteered to fight with the Republican forces in the Spanish Civil War in an army named after the great American emancipator. The photos, which contain riveting images of black and white Americans cooperating in armed struggle against the rise of fascism in Spain, is accompanied by a highly informative, succinctly written text by Katz and Afro-American journalist, the late Marc Crawford. It is a beautifully produced book that is an excellent introduction for the reader with little prior knowledge of that great conflict between fascism and democracy that presaged World War II. In the preface to “The Lincoln Brigade” NYU historian Robin D.G. Kelley argues the fundamental importance of the Spanish conflict to the worldwide conflagration that followed. Says Kelley, “My students generally know nothing about the Spanish Civil War, but they follow my lines of reasoning…But when I tell them that nearly 3,000 volunteers traveled to Spain to defend the Republican government from fascist forces, and that they were joined by another 35,000 from around the globe, that is when I lose them…They cannot fathom why anyone in their right mind would travel half way across the world to fight, and possibly die, for a country that is not their own.” This volume answers that question. Divided into three parts and fourteen chapters, the book describes the political and economic conditions that prevailed in America and Europe at the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, the nature of the war itself, and what kind of reception the American vets got upon their return home after the triumph of General Franco’s fascist forces in Spain, then follows them into the World War and beyond. One of the most fascinating chapters in this book is “Volunteers,” which presents a series of brief profiles of some of those who fought. The first thing that will surprise most readers is that they are quite a mixed bag. “Most came from cities in large states,” the author tells us. “The largest group comprised members of trade unions, especially seamen. The second largest was made up of college students and professors. Dozens called themselves artists—writers, poets, painters, dancers, musicians, and three acrobats. There were Catholics, Protestants, Japanese, Chinese, Afro-Americans, and Native Americans. In the age of Hitler, Jews made up 30 percent of the Lincoln Brigade. There were Democrats, Republicans, Socialists, Communists, and people who rejected any kind of labels.” With minimal training and equipped with hand-me-down weapons and uniforms from many national armies around Europe, these volunteers went into combat and fought gallantly for an ideal that inspired those who prized freedom and democracy the world over. The descriptions of various battles are so detailed that it is as if we are there. And the photographs in this volume capture some poignant moments from that grand struggle to decide whether democracy or fascism would triumph in the world...The grotesquely beautiful photo by Robert Capa of a Republican soldier taken at the moment of death by gunfire is said to be the most famous picture of the Spanish Civil War, and deservedly so. But this book is full of powerful pictures of every aspect of the Lincoln Brigade’s struggles, the defeats and triumphs, and the learned text helps bring them to life. This book is a splendid way to introduce the Spanish Civil War to the novice, and an invaluable keepsake for surviving veterans, their families, and other partisans seeking a memoir of the heroic saga of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade...

"Breaking the Chains: African-American Slave Resistance" is a book filled with stories of how black slaves dealt with their servitude. It gives examples of the horrible conditions they faced everyday and uses primary sources, such as interviews with former slaves, to give a accurate picture of their lives. Using many different methods, such as rebellions, running away, or sabatoging the plantations, the slaves did what they could to escape the bonds that tied them to their masters. "Breaking the Chains" gives first hand accounts from run away slaves, and it offers many details that keep the reader's interest. It tells how many slaves were willing to risk their life for their own freedom and the freedom of fellow slaves. They fought to get away from their hard plantation life, controlling masters, and to remain with their families. It also tells of the religious fervor held by the black slaves that gave them hope to carry on. Even after they were not allowed to gather together for any reason outside of work and faced severe punishment if caught, slaves continued to congregate to sing and pray for salvation from their oppression. Katz leaves out his own opinion and uses facts and interviews of other people, which allows the reader to form his or her own opinion. This book shows the restless spirit possessed by blacks during this time period that made them continue the struggle to be free.

Breaking the Chains was a well written book by a former middle school social studies teacher named William Loren Katz. It was organized in a very easy and understanding manner. This book was very interesting in that, it told about a lot more slavery issuses than a high school like myself has learned about. It brought to life many historical figures that influenced the institution of slavery on both sides if the issue. It talked about the slaves daily toils and struggles, to the fights and rebellions. It also takes you to their march to freedom. This book would be good for anyone who wants to know more about American slavery. It demonatrates how slavery in America was finally defeated through the sacrifices and rebellion of the slaves themselves. Breaking the Chains is a book that keeps your attetion from cover to cover. Katz lets the facts and truth of slavery known to man in this book.

In reading the novel "Breaking the Chains," itchanged my aspects on the black history were they began to treat theirmasters as extremely dum people. They had many dialects to hid their dances, the get togethers, and other activities that they were engade with durning their life of terror.

Good topic - poorly written. Book is vague, covers many topics, although nothing is in depth. This book is probably good for middle school children and nothing more advanced.

An interesting read, but ultimately lacking in scholarly depth. Read more than just this book.

I came across this book by accident while placing an order at a bookstore. I had requested a book that could not be ordered but was informed of "Black Indians: A Hidden Heritage" as one to order. This book has answered many of my questions pertaining to the relationship of the Native and African-Americans. I've learned so much from reading this book what the schools never taught me. Therefore, I will make sure my childen, family, friends, and people whose path I briefly cross have the same opportunity to read and learn from this book as I have. I cannot express enough my appreciation for the author in writing this book for people like myself. I am more proud than ever of my Native and African-American heritage.