Historian Sven Beckert Speaks January 20 on “Empire of Cotton”

On Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at 7:30 p.m., Historian Sven Beckert, Professor of History at Harvard University, will give a book talk on Empire of Cotton: A Global History.

Calling Empire of Cotton one of the five best non-fiction books of 2015, the New York Times wrote, “In this sweeping, ambitious, and disturbing survey, Beckert takes us through every phase of a global industry that has relied on millions of miserably treated slaves, sharecroppers, and mill workers to turn out its product.” Beckert argues that the constant struggle between enslaved worker and planters, merchants and statesmen, workers and factory owners ushered in the world of modern capitalism, including the vast wealth and disturbing inequalities that are with us today. His book is as unsettling as it is enlightening.

“Too little present-day academic history is written for the general public. Empire of Cotton transcends this barrier and should be devoured eagerly, not only by scholars and students but also by the intelligent reading public,” says The Washington Post. “The book is rich and diverse in the treatment of its subject. The writing is elegant, and the use of both primary and secondary sources is impressive and varied. Overviews on international trends alternate with illuminating, memorable anecdotes. Empire of Cotton proves Sven Beckert one of the new elite of genuinely global historians.”

The event will be held at the Royall House and Slave Quarters at 15 George Street, Medford, and is free to Royall House and Slave Quarters members. General admission is $5. Professor Beckert’s book will be available for purchase and signing after the program.

On-street parking is available, and the museum is located on the 96 and 101 MBTA bus routes. Please email director@RoyallHouse.org for more information or visit RoyallHouse.org.

– Submitted by Tom Lincoln