Customer Reviews

Slave Narratives (Library of America)

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This book is a collection of ten narratives that document the nature of American slavery from colonial times to the eve of the Civil War. There are some familar narratives, particularly that of Frederick Douglass (who has a volume of his own in the Library of America series) as well as many writings that were new to me.

There are two writers from the colonial period,a short account by James Gronniosaw and a loner narrative by Olaudiah Equiano. The latter book has a first-hand description of the notorious "middle passage" -- the transatlantic journey by which Africans were transported to a life of bondage in the New World. This book also features accounts of life at sea during the mid-18th century that reminded me of Patrick O'Brian's novels of sea life during the Napoleonic era.

There are two narratives in the book by women. Sojourner Truth's narrative, as told to a woman named Olive Gilbert, appeared in 1850. It tells the story of slavery in New York State (where it was not abolished until 1827) and introduced me to a strong-willed woman who combined abolitionism with strong religous passion and a commitment to woman's rights. Harriet Jacobs's account, "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" appeared in 1861. Written in a Victorian style, it still tells the story of the trials of a young woman who resisted her master's advances and hid for seven years in a narrow attic before escaping to freedom.

"The Confessions of Nat Turner" became the basis of a controversial novel by William Styron. It is an account recorded by a local attorney, Thomas Gray, of Turner's description, while in jail waiting execution, of the slave rebellion he led in Virginia in 1831. This is a spare account but to me much more impressive than what I remember of Styron's novel.

There is a lengthy account by a slave named Henry Bibb written in 1849. This book describes several escapes, and a slave prison of almost unbelievable cruelty in Louisvill, Kentucky. I found this perhaps the most riveting narrative in the collection.

Jacob Green's narrative appeared in 1864. This is a short tough-minded book by a person who was not afraid to fight back.

The narrative by William and Ellen Craft (1860) describes how a husband and wife disguised themselves to make a 1000 mile journey from Georgia to freedom. (Most escapes occured from the border states, which were themselves extraordinarily difficult.)

William Wells Brown, like Douglass, went on to a literary career after his escape from slavery. He was the author of the first published African-Novel. His narrative (1847) is short but documents convincingly his escappe from slavery in Missouri.

This collection will help the reader understand the nature of slavery in the United States from its beginning to its end. The volume is part of the Library of America's admirable attempt to produce uniform series of the best in American literature, thouught and history. The narratives of American slaves included in this book amply deserve their place in a series that documents the American experience, both for good and for ill.

Slave Narratives is a compendium of writings and recollections by a diverse group of writers who exposed the realities of slave life in pre-Civil War America and thereby challenged the conscience of a nation while laying the foundations of an African American literary tradition. Included are the late 18th century narratives of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw and Olaudah Equiano (both of whom were abducted in Africa and brought across the Atlantic); the "Confessions" of Nat Turner (leader of the deadliest slave revolt in American history); the memoir of Sojourner Truth; "Running a Thousand miles for Freedom" (the story of William and Ellen Craft's escape from Georgia); "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" (Harriet Jacobs' complex and moving story of her resistance to sexual and racial oppression; the narrative of the subversive "trickster" Jacob Green; as well as the writings of Frederick Douglass, William Wells Brown, and Henry Bibb. Slave Narratives is a searing collective portrait of American life before emancipation and would prove a core title for any Black Studies reference collection or reading list.

Ten original slave narratives provide important testimony to the slavery experience and the longing for freedom and provide insights into how a diverse group of writers challenged literary traditions by expressing their pain and anger. From 18th century slaves abducted in Africa to later activists, this provides a fine cross-section of experiences.

I have wanted this book for years. My regular book club price was over $25.00. I bought it here for about $3.00. The stories told by each former slave is shocking. I never thought I would learn so much about slavery. I believe this book needs to be read be anyone interested in slavery. I have recently finished the book. I reccomond this book highly.
Sincerely,
David A.Kahle ("SSuper Chef")