The Claude Neal Lynching: 1934 Murders of Claude Neal and Lola Cannady

The lynching of Claude Neal, an African American farm laborer, in 1934 was a part of a wave of violence that was unprecedented in its brutality. This particular incident has been referred to as the "last public spectacle" lynching in the history of the United States. In the recently published book by writer and historian Dale Cox, new information has been revealed about the lynching, including never-before-published accounts from individuals who were directly involved in the gruesome act, eyewitness testimonies, and additional documentation. This critically acclaimed book is essential reading for anyone interested in studying Southern history or the events of the 1930s.

Claude Neal, who worked on a farm in Florida, was falsely accused of murdering a young woman named Lola Cannady. Despite efforts by law enforcement to protect him, Neal was forcefully taken from jail, tortured, and eventually killed. His body was then displayed by hanging it from a tree in Marianna, the county seat of Jackson County, Florida. The lynching incited widespread rioting and prompted the governor of Florida to deploy National Guard troops to occupy Marianna.

Critics, including Southern novelist Janis Owens, have praised the book on the Claude Neal Lynching for its groundbreaking revelations and its contribution to the understanding of the brutal events that occurred in 1934. This book sheds new light on the disturbing and tragic story of Claude Neal and serves as an important addition to the literature on this dark period in American history.

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