The first novel by an African-American, this dramatic tale describes the fate of a child fathered by Thomas Jefferson with one of his slaves. Although born into slavery, the author escaped bondage to become a prominent reformer and historian. An emotionally powerful depiction of slavery, racial conflict in the antebellum South. Unabridged republication of the work originally published by Partridge & Oakey, London, 1853.
The Narrative of William W. Brown, a Fugitive Slave by William Wells Brown An influential force in the abolition movement and a lasting testimonial to the injustice of slavery, Brown's 1847 Narrative offers a sincere and moving account of his experiences as a slave in Missouri.
Tales of Conjure and The Color Line: 10 Stories by Charles Waddell Chesnutt Ten wonderful stories by pioneer of African-American fiction: "The Goophered Grapevine," "Po' Sandy," "Sis' Becky's Pickaninny," "The Wife of His Youth," "Dave's Neckliss," "The Passing of Grandison," more. Witty, charming, insightful.
The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man by James Weldon Johnson African-American writer's pioneering novel parallels his own life, probes the psychological aspects of "passing for white," and examines the American caste and class system. Major contribution to American literature.