The Old Dominion

"The Old Dominion" by G. P. R. James is a 19th-century historical novel that places readers in Virginia, following Richard Howard, an Englishman, as he journeys into the heart of Southern society. Through letters to his sister, Richard shares observations from his travels through Chesapeake Bay to Norfolk, Virginia. Aboard a schooner, he contemplates the social dynamics, and differing viewpoints on slavery. Determined to visit his aunt’s estate, Richard must face the moral challenges presented by slavery. A pivotal moment arrives with his meeting Zed, a freedman whose path intertwines with Richard’s, hinting at a bond that will evolve as they navigate Virginian society together and highlighting themes of slavery, identity, and the intricate social tapestry of the time.