The Faces Behind the Chains: Thousands of Interviews, Memoirs & Life Stories of Former Slaves
By Frederick Douglass, Harriet Jacobs, Solomon Northup, Willie Lynch, Nat Turner, Sojourner Truth, Mary Prince, William Craft, Ellen Craft, Louis Hughes, Jacob D. Green, Booker T. Washington, Olaudah Equiano, Elizabeth Keckley, William Still, Sarah H. Bradford, Josiah Henson, Charles Ball, Austin Steward, Henry Bibb, L. S. Thompson, Kate Drumgoold, Lucy A. Delaney, Moses Grandy, John Gabriël Stedman, Henry Box Brown, Margaretta Matilda Odell, Thomas S. Gaines, Brantz Mayer, Aphra Behn, Théodore Canot, Daniel Drayton, Thomas Clarkson, F. G. De Fontaine, John Dixon Long, Stephen Smith, Joseph Mountain, Ida B. Wells-Barnett & Work Projects Administration
- Release Date: 2018-03-21
- Genre: U.S. History
Description
In 'The Faces Behind the Chains: Thousands of Interviews, Memoirs & Life Stories of Former Slaves', readers are offered a profound exploration of the multifaceted experiences of slavery through an anthology that spans a spectrum of poignant narratives. The collection includes a diverse range of literary styles—from firsthand memoirs and interviews to reflective essays, each piece a tessera in the vast mosaic of history. This volume captures an array of personal experiences, communal struggles, and indomitable spirits, while presenting landmark texts that have shaped the discourse of freedom and human rights. Readers will glimpse inside the harrowing life under bondage, the exhilarating pursuit of freedom, and the relentless fight for dignity within oppressive structures. This anthology includes contributions from pivotal figures such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Jacobs, and Ida B. Wells-Barnett, whose lives and works are cornerstones in both the abolitionist movement and the broader discourse concerning civil rights and emancipation. Through various cultural and historical lenses, these authors' backgrounds enrich the thematic fabric of the collection, presenting a well-rounded historical perspective. Their cumulative narratives reflect significant historical epochs and cultural movements such as the transatlantic slave trade, the American Civil War, and the rise of the anti-slavery literature movement, collectively painting a detailed picture of resistance and resilience. 'The Faces Behind the Chains' is essential reading for anyone interested in the depth and complexity of the historical narrative of slavery and its continuing impact on present-day society. It offers an unrivaled opportunity to encounter a wide array of perspectives and literary styles, making it a cornerstone anthology for educators, historians, and anyone committed to understanding the myriad voices of the past. Dive into this comprehensive collection to experience the transformative power of narrative and the profound influence of these individuals' journeys on history and human rights discourse.
