The Black Jacobins : Toussaint L'Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution

Rating:
Summary: "The Best Book Ever Written"
Review: Yesterday, on October 10th 2004, I was one of thirteen hundred people that attended the Hackney Empire in London for a celebration of the life of campaigning journalist Paul Foot who died on July 18th 2004, aged 66.

Paul's uncle - former Labour Party leader Michael Foot - was the first speaker on stage. In a short but spirited contribution Michael Foot confided to the audience that, whenever his nephew used to come and visit him, Paul would cast an eye into the library to ensure that 'The Black Jacobins' was there on the shelf. This was because Paul Foot hoped one day to inherit (vainly, as it happened) what they both agreed is the best book ever written.

I've not yet read 'The Black Jacobins' but am content to award it 5 stars for the time being. If indeed it turns out to be the best book ever written, I might wish to revise this rating upwards!