Rough Crossings: Britain, the Slaves and the American Revolution is a book by Simon Schama, focusing on the experiences of enslaved African Americans during the American Revolutionary War. This book is adorned with a beautiful hardcover artwork. It details their escape to British lines, their hopes for freedom under British rule, and the subsequent challenges they faced, including betrayal and relocation to Nova Scotia and ultimately, Sierra Leone. 
Here's a more detailed look at the book's key points:
The British Promise of Freedom:
The book highlights how the British, during the war, offered freedom to enslaved African Americans who joined their ranks. 
Black Loyalists:
Many enslaved people, including some who fought for the British and even adopted the name "British Freedom," escaped slavery to fight for the British cause. 
Rough Crossings:
The title refers to the perilous journey of these Black Loyalists, both during the war and after, as they faced the challenges of war, betrayal, and ultimately, a difficult resettlement in Nova Scotia. 
Nova Scotia and Sierra Leone:
After the British defeat, many Black Loyalists were sent to Nova Scotia, where they faced harsh conditions and prejudice. Some eventually embarked on another "rough crossing" to Sierra Leone in West Africa. 
Fates and Legacy:
The book explores the fates of those who settled in Sierra Leone, forming the Sierra Leone Creole people, and their enduring connections to the diaspora. 
Ambiguities of the Revolution:
Schama's work also touches on the complexities of the era, including the presence of white Loyalists who were also slave owners and the involvement of some Black individuals in the war on both sides.