The Slave's Narrative - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195066561 ISBN 13: 9780195066562

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1991

Synopsis

These autobiographies of Afro-American ex-slaves comprise the largest body of literature produced by slaves in human history. The book consists of three sections: selected reviews of slave narratives, dating from 1750 to 1861; essays examining how such narratives serve as historical material; and essays exploring the narratives as literary artifacts.

About this title

About the Author

Henry Louis Gates is at Harvard University.

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"A valuable compilation of important historical documents that add greatly to our understanding of America's past and present."--Don Evans, Trenton State College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

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0195066561
• ISBN 13: 9780195066562
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 384
• Editor: Davis Charles T., Gates Jr. Henry Louis