Oates hs written bios of at least four critical figures in American history. That he was able to do so for Turner - a figure with so much legend , fiction , and printed hysteria - is a tribute to his history. Oates proceeds by comparing what contemporary records there are notably trial trasncripts and admits that one cannot reach a conclusion about Turner's character given the surprising fact that he killed only one of those who died and hid out for two months thereafter. It's a fascinating story and a good read by an extraordinary historian; neither worshipful nor condmenatory, Oates succedds in failing to "gind an axe"!

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