Fiery Vision: The Life and Death of John Brown
Grade 7-10.  In many U.S. History courses, John Brown is quickly glossed over in the buildup to the Civil War. Although his raid of Harpers Ferry is much discussed, the man himself is often summed up as a martyr, a madman, or a mystery. Cox has done away with some of that mystery in this thorough and clearly written biography. Tracing his subject's abolitionism (and fanaticism) back to its earliest roots, the author gives readers a picture of Brown as a loving family man and a not-too-successful businessman. Some of the key events of the era are incorporated into the narrative, as are the personal stories of many slaves and fugitives. Within such a context, Brown's embracing of the cause of abolition seems quite reasonable and his devotion quite sane. Although the information leading up to the raid is lengthy, the coverage of the raid itself and Brown's well-publicized trial is relatively brief, which might disappoint some readers. The bibliography is excellent and the black-and-white reproductions greatly enhance the text. Like his book on Twain, Cox's enjoyable biography provides a good introduction for young adults.?Elizabeth M. Reardon, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TNCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.