Edward Ball (American author)

Edward Ball (born 1959) is an American author known for his works exploring the history of slavery and its enduring impact on American society. He is particularly recognized for his National Book Award-winning work, Slaves in the Family.

Ball's work often delves into his own family history as slaveholders, confronting the complex and uncomfortable truths of their past and the legacy of slavery. He meticulously researches historical records, interviews descendants of enslaved people, and examines the psychological and social consequences of this history.

Major Works:

• Slaves in the Family (1998): A groundbreaking exploration of Ball's own ancestry as slave owners and the lives of the people they enslaved. The book traces the history of his family's rice plantation in South Carolina and seeks to connect with descendants of the enslaved.
• The Sweet Hell Inside: A Family History (2001): Another deep dive into Ball's family history, focusing on the more recent generations and the lingering effects of the past.
• Peninsula of Lies: A True Story of Mysterious Birth and Taboo Revelation (2004): This book examines the hidden history of miscegenation and its impact on a specific family.
• Life of a Klansman: A Family History in White Supremacy (2020): Ball delves into the life of his great-great-grandfather, a prominent member of the Ku Klux Klan in Louisiana, examining the roots and consequences of white supremacy.

Themes and Style:

Ball's work is characterized by its unflinching honesty, meticulous research, and willingness to confront difficult and often painful historical realities. He blends personal narrative with historical analysis, creating a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of race, history, and identity in America. He is known for his commitment to historical accuracy and his sensitive portrayal of the experiences of enslaved people and their descendants.