First published in 1849 and largely unavailable for many years, "Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Henry Bibb, an American Slave" is among the most remarkable slave narratives. Born on a Kentucky plantation in 1815, Bibb first attempted to escape from bondage at the age of ten. He was recaptured and escaped several more times, in several different states, with different masters, before he eventually settled in Detroit, Michigan, and joined the antislavery movement as a lecturer. * * * * Bibb's story is different in many ways from the widely read "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave" and Harriet Jacobs' "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl." He was owned by a Native American; he is one of the few ex-slave autobiographers who had labored in the Deep South (Louisiana); and he writes about folkways of the slaves, especially how he used conjure magic to avoid punishment and to woo the hearts of women (unsuccessfully). Most significant, he is unique in exploring the importance of marriage and family to him, recounting his several trips to free his wife and child, several of which resulted in his own recapture by slavers. * * * * For a true and accurate picture of the life of a slave, and the huge societal pressure against slaves seeking freedom, both north and south, read this book. * * * * Check our other Children's, Juvenile, and Adult books at www.FlyingChipmunkPublishing.com, or Like us on Facebook for our latest releases.
