The Peculiar Institution (book)

*The Peculiar Institution* is a historical book by Kenneth M. Stampp that examines the system of slavery in the Southern United States. It explores how slavery was a unique and deeply embedded social, economic, and political practice that dehumanized millions of African Americans while shaping Southern society. The book discusses the origins, development, and impacts of slavery, highlighting the complexities and contradictions within the institution, including the ways it influenced culture, economy, and the conflicts leading to the Civil War. It provides a thorough analysis of how slavery was a "peculiar" and central feature of Southern life.