Women's Slave Narratives

Book Details

• Author: Annie L. Burton

• Publisher: Dover

• Language: English

• Edition: Not specified

• ISBN: 9780486445557

• Pages: 160

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.0 x 0.3 inches

• Weight: Not specified

• Color: Blue

About the Book

The Memories of Five African-American Women by Annie L. Burton and other authors is a powerful and unfiltered account of life under slavery in the pre-Civil War American South. This deeply moving anthology gathers five individual testimonies—each presenting a unique voice and experience that collectively convey the strength, resilience, and humanity of women who endured the brutal realities of enslavement.

The collection features a range of narrative styles and personal perspectives, including:

• Mary Prince, whose trailblazing narrative was the first account of a Black woman’s life published in Britain

• "Old Elizabeth", whose spiritual journey reflects deep faith and inner strength

• Mattie Jackson, who rose above adversity to document her personal achievements

• Kate Drumgoold and Annie L. Burton, who share heartfelt recollections of family, freedom, and perseverance

These stories go beyond historical testimony—they are authentic reflections of hardship, dignity, and hope, offering vital insights into the emotional and physical toll of slavery, especially on women.

An essential resource for students and scholars of African-American history, literature, women’s studies, and the antebellum South, this collection is a testament to the indomitable will of enslaved women and their enduring fight for identity and liberation. The book also serves as an accessible and compelling introduction for general readers interested in America's historical legacy and the voices that helped shape it.