Black Sailors

This is the first book to document thoroughly the lifestyle and collective experience of the many thousands of black sailors during this time period. Numerous illustrations in the form of original charts, tables, crew lists, and customs records support the text. In a penetrating study, the author unveils the enormous contribution made prior to the Civil War to the nation's economy, prestige, and power by black Americans.

.,."[P]resents a wealth of information and statistics."-Footsteps, ?...[P]resents a wealth of information and statistics.?-Footsteps, ?A welcome contribution to what amounts to a new field of study, black history and the American maritime service. Blacks have served US naval, merchant, and whaling services since the beginning of this country's history. Putney's work combs the literature for a head count' approach to demonstrate the universality of blacks in American sea service. The lists of black sailors are broken down into deckhands, mates, masters, and owners of ships. This litany would be dull reading if it were not for the newness of the topic and the extent of Putney's research.... The 12 pages of notes and 45 pages of appendixes are very helpful, as is the bibliography....?-Choice, ?Students and scholars of Afro-American studies, American history, sociology, and race and ethnic relations in America will not want to miss this unique volume.?-A.L.B.R., ..."ÝP¨resents a wealth of information and statistics."-Footsteps

MARTHA S.PUTNEY is retired as Professor of History and Chairman of the Department of History and Geography at Bowie State College in Maryland.