Dred Scott V. Sandford: A Brief History with Documents

As students of U.S. history know, the Supreme Court decision in the Dred Scott case was one of the major causes leading up to the Civil War. Prof. Finkelman has provided a valuable educational tool that will help students understanding this important part of our history. His clear and concise explanation of the case, including an analysis of the majority opinion, concurring opinions, and dissenting opinions, and other relevant aspects, is well-researched and well-written. He also includes excerpts from the Supreme Court's opinion so that readers can examine it and draw their own conclusions. Any serious student of U.S. history, particularly of the Civil War period and the events leading up to it, should own a copy of this book.