Introduction This is a report on the book Fires of Jubilee: Nat Turner's Fierce Rebellion, written by Stephen B. Oates. The story is about a slave revolt that occurred in 1831 and the person who led it, Nat Turner. It tells of his life, the area and time in which he lived, the bloody uprising and the bloodiest repercussions after its repression. Plot Synopsis An account of the August 1831 slave revolt led by a slave named Nathaniel "Nat" Turner and occurred in Southampton County, Virginia. The event is now known as Nat Turner's Rebellion and the book chronicles the life of Nat Turner, the system of slavery that existed in Southampton County and the state of Virginia. The centerpiece of the book is Nat Turner, his life as a slave, and why he became the leader of the bloodiest slave revolt in U.S. history. The author also recounts the tragically brutal events that occurred during his crackdown. Main Characters Nat Turner is by far the main character of the book. Born into slavery, Nat is a bright child who would eventually learn to read on his own, a punishable offense for slaves during the period. His favorite book to read was the Bible, eventually interpreting it in a way that convinced him that he was a modern-day Moses, responsible for freeing the slaves and recruiting a small group of slaves and freemen to start the revolt. Governor John Floyd, who seriously considered drafting a law that would gradually abolish slavery throughout the state of Virginia, until the slave rebellion was launched which would play an influential role in changing his mind to supporters and threaten to split the state in two (ironically, this would eventually happen anyway). Vice President John C. Calhoun, whose reaction... middle of paper......are available, or visit the local college and ask permission to take a class. It seems to me that history is happening right now, so it is also my responsibility to form some understanding of current events, whether local, regional, or national. Just like what was happening in Nat Turner's time, the issues and events of the day impact us all. Conclusion Parts three and four made me sad because they detail the riot and its aftermath. Many people died during this short period, and these were just some of the tragic consequences brought about by the institution of slavery. Nat Turner is a tragic figure in this and should be remembered as a victim at the hands of persecutors and oppressors. I recommend this book. Works Cited Oates, Stephen B. The Fires of Jubilee: Nat Turner's Fierce Rebellion. New York: Harper & Row, 1990. Print.