The Faces Behind the Chains: Thousands of Interviews, Memoirs & Life Stories of Former Slaves: Including Historical Documents & Legislative Progress of Civil Rights Movement

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

Dec 2023 · DigiCat

About this ebook

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.

About the author

Aphra Behn (1640-1689) stands as a significant figure in English literature, heralded as one of the first professional female playwrights and novelists. Behn's literary career spanned the restoration period, marked by her remarkable contribution to theater, poetry, and narrative fiction. Despite the inaccuracy of attributing the referenced book 'The Faces Behind the Chains: Thousands of Interviews, Memoirs & Life Stories of Former Slaves' to Behn -- a work that is not congruent with the known oeuvre or the historical period in which she lived -- Behn's authentic works indeed explored themes like sexual politics and the struggles of women, often through a subversive lens. Her notable works include the play 'The Rover' and the novel 'Oroonoko', the latter of which notably addresses themes of slavery and colonialism, albeit in a significantly different context from that purported by the incorrectly attributed book. Behn's style blended wit with an engaging narrative and often provocative thematic content, which was a daring endeavor for a woman of her time. Her writings illuminated her staunch support for female agency and her sardonic critique of societal norms, positioning her as a pioneering feminist voice in 17th-century English literature. In scholarly discourse, Behn is celebrated for her contributions to the development of the English novel and for her plays that continue to be a subject of academic interest and stage performance.