On Slavery and Abolitionism: Essays and Letters (Penguin Classics) - Softcover

Grimke, Sarah; Grimke, Angelina

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0143107518 ISBN 13: 9780143107514

Publisher: Penguin Classics, 2015

Synopsis

A collection of historic writings from the slave-owner-turned-abolitionist sisters portrayed in Sue Monk Kidd’s novel The Invention of Wings

Sarah and Angelina Grimké’s portrayal in Sue Monk Kidd’s latest novel, The Invention of Wings, has brought much-deserved new attention to these inspiring Americans. The first female agents for the American Anti-Slavery Society, the sisters originally rose to prominence after Angelina wrote a rousing letter of support to renowned abolitionist William Garrison in the wake of Philadelphia’s pro-slavery riots in 1935.  Born into Southern aristocracy, the Grimkés grew up in a slave-holding family. Hetty, a young house servant, whom Sarah secretly taught to read, deeply influenced Sarah Grimké’s life, sparking her commitment to anti-slavery activism.  As adults, the sisters embraced Quakerism and dedicated their lives to the abolitionist and women’s rights movements. Their appeals and epistles were some of the most eloquent and emotional arguments against slavery made by any abolitionists. Their words, greeted with trepidation and threats in their own time, speak to us now as enduring examples of triumph and hope.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

About this title

About the Author:

Sara Grimké (1792–1873) and Angelina Grimké (1805–1879) were the daughters of a slave-owning Charlestown judge, and dedicated their lives to promoting abolition and women’s rights.

Mark Perry is an historian and author of nine books, including Lift Up Thy Voice.

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0143107518
• ISBN 13: 9780143107514
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 352