Slave Religion The "Invisible Institution" in the Antebellum South [Paperback]

Twenty-five years after its original publication,Slave Religionremains a classic in the study of African American history and religion. In a new chapter in this anniversary edition, author Albert J. Raboteau reflects upon the origins of the book, the reactions to it over the past twenty-five years, and how he would write it differently today. Using a variety of first and second-hand sources-- some objective, some personal, all riveting-- Raboteau analyzes the transformation of the African religions into evangelical Christianity. He presents the narratives of the slaves themselves, as well as missionary reports, travel accounts, folklore, black autobiographies, and the journals of white observers to describe the day-to-day religious life in the slave communities.Slave Religionis a must-read for anyone wanting a full picture of this invisible institution.

Albert J. Raboteauis Henry W. Putnam Professor of Religion at Princeton University and author ofCanaan Land(OUP),A Fire in the Bones, andA Sorrowful Joy.