In “Negroes and Negro 'Slavery': the First an Inferior Race: the Latter Its Normal Condition,” John H. Van Evrie presents a controversial and provocative treatise that reflects the antebellum attitudes towards race and slavery in mid-19th century America. Van Evrie's discourse is marked by a pseudo-scientific rationale and a polemic style, situated within the framework of racial superiority that informed much of the literature of the period. Through his assertions, he attempts to normalize the institution of slavery by casting it as a natural state for those he deems an inferior race, thus revealing the deeply entrenched prejudices prevalent in contemporary society and the intellectual currents that justify systemic oppression. John H. Van Evrie was a notable figure in 19th-century American thought, known for his writings on race and slavery, which echoed the sociopolitical climate of his time. Drawing from the prevailing notions of racial hierarchy and employing a range of pseudo-scientific arguments, his work reveals the mindset of a segment of society grappling with the moral and ethical implications of slavery amid growing abolitionist sentiments. His background in medical practice and his later ventures into journalism likely influenced his approach to the contentious subject. This book is essential reading for those interested in understanding the historical context of race relations in America, as it provides a lens into the mindset that perpetuated slavery. It invites readers to critically engage with the historical rationale for racial discrimination, making it a provocative addition for scholars, students, and anyone seeking to explore the enduring legacies of racism in American history.
