Review
"An impressive collection."--The New York Times Book Review
"Excellent text for a sourcebook-course in origins of black literature. The inclusion of critical essays is a plus."--George Klawitter,
Viterbo College"A valuable reference for students who are doing papers on narrative tradition, autobiography, etc."--Fahamisha Patricia Brown,
Boston College"A valuable compilation of important historical documents that add greatly to our understanding of America's past and present."--Don Evans,
Trenton State College"Impressive and essential, this text remains one of the most authoritative scholarly collections on the subject."--Joycelyn Moody,
University of Washington"The most sophisticated and comprehensive book we have yet on the central issue facing students of nineteenth-century Afro-American literature: the question of how to analyze and evaluate the autobiographical tradition of the ex-slave."--
Black American Literature Forum"This attractive anthology has several excerpts that I have been unable to find in a brief collection suitable for a class. It will provide specific background for a Black literature or history course....I find it completely useful for a survey of African American literature."--David B. Merrell,
Abilene Christian University"An excellent tool for teachers of black history."--Darrell Millner,
Portland State University"Provides the reader with a sensitive explanation and analysis of the autobiographical narratives written or dictated by ex-slaves of African descent from 1750 to the twentieth century....This volume is a welcome addition to the constantly growing body of scholarly literature on the institution of slavery as it was seen from the slave's point of view."--
Florida Historical Quarterly"This collection is indispensable for historians and literary critics, as well as anyone interested in slavery and autobiography."--
Bookletter/Southeast