Existing comment:
John Brown and the Historians
John Brown's life and his rain on Harpers Ferry have been the subject of intense historical scrutiny and debate over the years. Not surprisingly, Brown's reputation among historians has fluctuated.
Many historians from old Yankee, New England families have presented Brown generally in a heroic light. Some historians viewed Brown as a horse thief, murderer and terrorist. Others have questioned Brown's mental health and his psychological make-up.
Even today, Brown is praised, censured, and analyzed by contemporary historians. He continues to be as controversial in death as he was in life. |