Journey Toward Freedom: The Story of Sojourner Truth [Paperback]

Jacqueline Bernard (Author), Nell Irvin Painter (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1993

  First published in 1967 and based on extensive primary research, Jacqueline Bernard's widely praised biography of the remarkable woman known as Sojourner Truth is an important historical document, as compassionately told as it is engrossing to read. In the New York Times Book Review, Richard Ellman wrote: "Quietly factual when it suits her story, but lyrical when the demand arises, Jacqueline Bernard has succeeded on nearly every account. A good popular history." Truth was born a slave in 1797, gained her freedom some 30 years later, and at the age of 46 began a new life, traveling the country to preach about God and crusade against slavery. Known for her wit, her songs, and her great common sense, she electrified audiences as she championed women's rights, prison reform, and better working conditions.

Editorial Reviews

Review

First published in 1967, at the height of the civil rights movement, this book tells the story of one of the nineteenth century's most dynamic and progressive advocates for liberation, justice and equality for all people. Its reissue with a new introduction and added bibliography is timely. Born into slavery in New York State around 1797, Isabelle Borneftee experienced in 1843 a life transforming call to serve God and the cause of justice and became Sojourner Truth. From that time until her death in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1883, she traveled throughout the northeastern and midwestern states speaking and working for the abolition of slavery, women's rights, and justice for free African-Americans. Researching and integrating the story of Truth's diverse activities and extensive travels is particularly challenging because, being illiterate, she did not leave self-written accounts of her life and thoughts. The major primary source 7be Narrative of Sojourner Truth (1850), as taken down by Olive Gilbert, must be read through an unknown amount of editorial screening. Bernard overcomes this problem by using an abundance of secondary sources including first-hand accounts by acquaintances and public documents which she lists in her extensive bibliography. Bernard also may have created additional dialogue and interior monologue. The questionable credibility of this material may be compensated for by its contribution to the book's coherence, momentum, and novel-like ease of reading. The book will interest younger readers because of Truth's adventurous life and heroism. It is recommended to the general adult reader interested in the history of social reform, abolition of slavery, the women's movement, and African-American history. -- From Independent Publisher

About the Author

JACQUELINE BERNARD was a reporter, translator, and copywriter.

NELL IRVIN PAINTER is professor of history at Princeton University and author of the biography Soujourner Truth: A Life, a Symbol. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 267 pages
• Publisher: The Feminist Press at CUNY (January 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558610243
• ISBN-13: 978-1558610248
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,297,196 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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