Bondage in Egypt

"Bondage in Egypt provides the most comprehensive account to date of racial slavery in Illinois. Performing extensive original research in local, territorial, state, and federal records, Dexter provides a rigorous examination of the distinctive and evolving nature of slavery in the region from French settlement through the transition to British and, ultimately, American rule."—Kerry Pimblott, The Journal of African American History"Dexter utilizes voluminous research to provide a thorough account of slavery in southern Illinois during the periods of French, English, and American rule. In doing so, and in challenging popular conceptions of North and South, he adds dimension to the story of race and slavery, regionalism, and the coming of the Civil War."—Matthew E. Stanley, Civil War History"Every teacher who makes any effort to include Illinois history in the curriculum should take notice of this book, and every Illinois library should have a copy. Do yourself—and the current generation of history students—a favor by putting one on the bookshelf."—William Furry, Illinois Heritage"Darrel Dexter has taken upon himself a daunting but extremely useful task in producing a broad survey of slavery in southern Illinois under French, English, and American regimes. This book, based on exhaustive research in printed source materials, will henceforth be the starting point for anyone interested in exploring this important but little-known subject."—Carl J. Ekberg, author of French Roots in the Illinois Country: The Mississippi Frontier in Colonial Times"Few Americans realize that slavery existed in Illinois, even though it was part of the Northwest Territory, and even after Illinois became a state. Dexter sheds light on dark corners of the 19th century, and the illumination will help Americans understand why race relations remain problematic today."—James W. Loewen, author of Sundown Towns"Bondage in Egypt is so thorough that future researchers will not have done their jobs well if they do not consult it."—Herbert K. Russell, author of The State of Southern Illinois"This work will undoubtedly become a standard reference guide for anyone interested in the African American experience in Illinois. It is an important first work by a historian steeped in deep knowledge of the region he writes about."—Jane Adams, author of The Transformation of Rural Life: Southern Illinois 1890–1990