Description
Discover 'The Price of Misfortune,' a groundbreaking exploration of debtors’ rights through the lens of American history. This insightful book delves into the complex relationship between borrowers and lenders from the Civil War to the Great Depression. With a focus on historical context, Daniel Platt examines how the struggle for financial freedom evolved over time, reshaping laws that affect debtors in the modern United States. Through meticulous research, Platt reveals the stories of reformers who drew powerful connections between the horrors of slavery, imprisonment for debt, and systemic exploitation seen in wage garnishment and property foreclosure. This book touches on critical themes of inequality and social justice, emphasizing how debtors’ rights were originally envisioned for a narrow demographic while later expanding to include women, wage earners, and African Americans. 'The Price of Misfortune' not only recounts a pivotal era in American legal history but also highlights the voices of those who fought for economic dignity and empowerment. Ideal for scholars of history, economics, and social justice, this essential read provides a fresh perspective on the ongoing challenges in financial law and its impact on marginalized communities. Dive into a narrative of struggle and resilience, and understand how the past informs the contemporary discourse on debt and human rights.