49 pages • 1 hour read
Henry Louis Gates Jr.Stony the Road: Reconstruction, White Supremacy, and the Rise of Jim Crow
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2019A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Stony the Road by Henry Louis Gates Jr. explores Black history from the Reconstruction era to the rise of Jim Crow, focusing on the effects of enslavement, scientific racism, and racist imagery, while highlighting the emergence of the "New Negro" and the Harlem Renaissance. The book contains references to racism, oppression, and violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s Stony the Road has been praised for its insightful exploration of African American history, particularly the Reconstruction and Jim Crow eras. Critics commend Gates' thorough research and compelling narrative, though some note the density of historical details might challenge casual readers. Overall, it’s celebrated for its significant contribution to understanding racial history in America.
Who Should Read Stony the Road?
A reader who would enjoy Stony the Road by Henry Louis Gates Jr. is likely interested in African American history, racial identity, and the post-Reconstruction era. They may have appreciated The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson or Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi. This reader values in-depth historical analysis and cultural critique.