The diary of a middle-aged, childless widow in South Carolina who ran a plantation with dozens of slaves in 1860. Of course, this is hardly thrilling stuff, but it was an illuminating experience to read. Keziah Brevard was a decent enough master, as far as they go. She kept her slaves well-fed and well-clothed, nursed them when they were sick, and even seemed to care about some of them as individuals. But slavery is slavery. Keziah's cluelessness about that was both amusing and sad. She was certain her slaves were happy (even as she complained about their ingratitude and impudence towards her) and that they were much better off in slavery in America than they would have been if they stayed in Africa.

I think this would make a good book for college classes about the Antebellum and Civil War South. ( )