Review "Excellent work for introducing complexities of American slavery during the period of its colonial origins."--Ross Frank， University of California， San Diego"An excellent， short study that combines broad issues with a sense of real people facing real problems."--Robert V. Wells， Union College"A good example of 13th century Virginian history."--Patricia J. Hill-Zeigler， University of New Hampshire"An important study. It is part of a growing literature that is reexamining the earliest origins of American racial interaction....It invites the historical community to reassess old and fundamental questions about slavery， African culture， and the origins of racism in American society."--Journal of Southern History"Short but powerful... a major contribution to...black history."--Reviews in American History"First-rate study of early Virginia that sparks class discussion. Students enjoy it."--R.E. Cray， Montclair State University Book Description Concentrating on the lives of blacks who achieved freedom， this book describes how， against formidable odds， they amassed property， established plantations， acquired dependent laborers， and lived for several generations as free and independent members of Virginia society. See all Editorial Reviews