Scandal at Bizarre

by Cynthia A. Kierner

"What happened on the night of October 1, 1792, is the centerpiece of this social history of post-revolutionary Virginia planter society. Kierner (history, Univ. of North Carolina, Charlotte) uses that night's event-an apparent case of infanticide-to open a window to the social, political, and cultural life of a society in transition. The rumor spread that Nancy Randolph of the prominent Randolph family of Virginia had a baby that night and that the father was her sister's husband and distant cousin, Richard Randolph. Although Nancy claimed that she had a miscarriage and that Richard's single brother Theo was the father, the rumors persisted. This story shows the crumbling of this society as even prominent families were openly criticized and challenged by working-class whites and slaves. She examines the important role played by slaves and how they used gossip as a form of social rebellion. Kierner follows the life of Nancy Randolph who ultimately led a full and successful life, marryi