The Faces Behind the Chains: Thousands of Interviews, Memoirs & Life Stories of Former Slaves, curated by an esteemed ensemble of authors, presents a profound exploration of the myriad experiences of slavery. This collection embodies an unparalleled diversity in narrative style, ranging from memoirs and biographies to interviews, each providing a distinct lens through which the horrors and resilience within the institution of slavery are vividly depicted. The anthology thoughtfully integrates works of significant historical and literary merit, including harrowing accounts from well-known figures and unsung heroes alike, ensuring a comprehensive mosaic of voices that underscore the complex tapestry of slave life across various geographies and times. The contributing authors and editors, hailing from diverse backgrounds, bring forth an expansive compilation that traverses numerous literary and historical landscapes. From the pioneering autobiographies of Frederick Douglass and Olaudah Equiano to the poignant narratives of Harriet Jacobs and Solomon Northup, the collective expertise of these contributors presents an enlightening dialogue with historical, cultural, and literary movements of abolitionism and post-slavery reflection. Their combined efforts afford readers a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted human stories beneath the generalized historical accounts of slavery. This anthology not only serves as an educational resource but also as a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit of those who endured enslavement. By weaving together a range of perspectives, styles, and themes, The Faces Behind the Chains offers readers a unique opportunity to engage with the personal and collective narratives that shaped a significant era of history. It invites scholars, students, and general readers alike to delve into the depths of human resilience and to reflect on the enduring impact of slavery on society. This collection is an essential read for anyone seeking a deeper, more personal understanding of the legacy of slavery and the remarkable stories of those who lived through it.
The Faces Behind the Chains: Thousands of Interviews, Memoirs & Life Stories of Former Slaves : Including Historical Documents & Legislative Progress of Civil Rights Movement
Authors:
- Aphra Behn
- Thomas Clarkson
- Daniel Drayton
- Louis Hughes
- Austin Steward
- Ida B. Wells-Barnett
- Moses Grandy
- William Still
- Nat Turner
- Henry Bibb
- Olaudah Equiano
- Sojourner Truth
- Mary Prince
- Kate Drumgoold
- Frederick Douglass
- Brantz Mayer
- Theodore Canot
- Booker T. Washington
- Elizabeth Keckley
- Charles Ball
- Solomon Northup
- Josiah Henson
- Stephen Smith
- Ellen Craft
- William Craft
- John Gabriel Stedman
- Sarah H. Bradford
- Lucy A. Delaney
- L. S. Thompson
- F. G. De Fontaine
- Henry Box Brown
- John Dixon Long
- Harriet Jacobs
- Jacob D. Green
- Work Projects Administration
- Thomas S. Gaines
- Willie Lynch
- Margaretta Matilda Odell
- Joseph Mountain
Format:
Duration:
- 11210 pages
Language:
English
- 188 books
Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass was born into a family of slavery in early America. Douglass attributes his road to freedom as beginning with his being sent from the Maryland plantation of his birth to live in Baltimore as a young boy. There, he learned to read and, more importantly, learned the power of literacy. In early adolescence, he was returned to farm work, suffered abuse at the hands of cruel overseers, and witnessed abuse visited on fellow slaves. He shared his knowledge of reading with a secret "Sunday school" of 40 fellow slaves during his last years of bondage. In his early 20's, he ran away to the North and found refuge among New England abolitionists.
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Solomon Northup
Solomon Northup (1808–c.1864-75) was a free-born African American from Saratoga Springs, New York, who was kidnapped into slavery in 1841. After his escape, he became an abolitionist and published his memoir, Twelve Years a Slave (1853). He gave many lectures in support of the abolitionist causes and aided in the Underground Railroad for fugitive slaves.
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