Title
The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved And Sold To Build The American Catholic Church,Used
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An absolutely essential addition to the history of the Catholic Church, whose involvement in New World slavery sustained the Church and, thereby, helped to entrench enslavement in American society.Annette GordonReed, Pulitzer Prizewinning author of The Hemingses of Monticello and On JuneteenthNew York Times Book Review Editors Choice Longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie MedalA BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New Yorker, The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, Time, Chicago Public Library, Kirkus ReviewsIn 1838, a group of Americas most prominent Catholic priests sold 272 enslaved people to save their largest mission project, what is now Georgetown University. In this groundbreaking account, journalist, author, and professor Rachel L. Swarns follows one family through nearly two centuries of indentured servitude and enslavement to uncover the harrowing origin story of the Catholic Church in the United States. Through the saga of the Mahoney family, Swarns illustrates how the Church relied on slave labor and slave sales to sustain its operations and to help finance its expansion.The story begins with Ann Joice, a free Black woman and the matriarch of the Mahoney family. Joice sailed to Maryland in the late 1600s as an indentured servant, but her contract was burned and her freedom stolen. Her descendants, who were enslaved by Jesuit priests, passed down the story of that broken promise for centuries. One of those descendants, Harry Mahoney, saved lives and the churchs money in the War of 1812, but his children, including Louisa and Anna, were put up for sale in 1838. One daughter managed to escape, but the other was sold and shipped to Louisiana. Their descendants would remain apart until Rachel Swarnss reporting in The New York Times finally reunited them. They would go on to join other GU272 descendants who pressed Georgetown and the Catholic Church to make amends, prodding the institutions to break new ground in the movement for reparations and reconciliation in America.Swarnss journalism has already started a national conversation about universities with ties to slavery. The 272 tells an even bigger story, not only demonstrating how slavery fueled the growth of the American Catholic Church but also shining a light on the enslaved people whose forced labor helped to build the largest religious denomination in the nation.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages are in the book? A: The book contains three hundred fifty-two pages. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the history of slavery and the Catholic Church.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures six and a half inches in length, one point two inches in width, and nine and a half inches in height. This size is typical for hardcover books, making it easy to handle.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is bound in hardcover. This durable binding ensures longevity and protection for the pages inside.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of the book is Rachel L. Swarns. She is a journalist and professor known for her insightful reporting on historical subjects.
- Q: What is the main theme of the book? A: The main theme revolves around the historical connection between slavery and the growth of the American Catholic Church. It highlights the stories of enslaved families.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: Yes, the book is suitable for older teens and adults. It deals with complex themes of history, slavery, and social justice.
- Q: How can I best read this book? A: You can read this book like any standard book, either in quiet settings or as part of group discussions. Its narrative style encourages reflection.
- Q: Does this book include any illustrations or photographs? A: No, the book does not include illustrations or photographs. It focuses on text to convey its historical narrative.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: You should store the book upright on a shelf, away from direct sunlight and moisture. This will help preserve its binding and pages.
- Q: Can this book be returned if I'm not satisfied? A: Yes, most retailers allow returns within a specified period. Check the return policy of the seller for specific details.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller immediately to initiate a return or exchange process. Most sellers will accommodate this.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: No, books typically do not come with warranties. However, return policies may apply if there's an issue with the product.
- Q: How does this book compare to other historical accounts? A: This book provides a unique perspective on the relationship between the Catholic Church and slavery, setting it apart from other historical accounts.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for academic study? A: Yes, the book is appropriate for academic study. It includes detailed examinations of historical events relevant to American history.
- Q: What type of reader would enjoy this book? A: This book would appeal to readers interested in history, social justice, and the complexities of American religious institutions.