Two Men Before the Storm: Arba Crane's Recollection of Dred Scott and the Supreme Court Case That Started the Civil War

Set in the early 1850s, the story follows Arba Crane, a Harvard Law graduate who befriends Dred Scott, a slave, while working in St. Louis. As Scott shares his harrowing experiences, Crane recognizes his potential legal claim to freedom and encourages him to sue for it. Their battle culminates in the landmark Supreme Court case Scott v. Sandford, which shockingly denies slaves' rights and propels the nation toward civil war. This fictional narrative, enriched with historical details, explores their deep friendship and enduring quest for justice.