| Contents |
Introduction -- Harriet Jacobs: a brief chronology -- A note on the text -- Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. Written by Herself -- Appendix A: Historical contexts -- Appendix B: Additional historical connections -- Appendix C: The Composition, Publication, and Reception of Incidents -- Appendix D: Life after Incidents -- Appendix E: Enduring Legacy -- Appendix F: People and Places Relevant to Incidents. |
| Abstract |
"In 1861, Harriet Jacobs became the first formerly enslaved African American woman to publish a book-length account of her life. In crafting her coming-of-age story, she insisted upon biographical accuracy and bold creativity--telling the truth while giving herself and others fictionalized names. She also adapted conventions from other popular genres, the sentimental novel and the slave narrative. Then, despite facing obstacles not encountered by Black men and white women, she orchestrated the book's publication and became a traveling bookseller in an effort to inspire passive Americans to support the abolition of slavery. Engaging with the latest research on Jacobs's life and work, this edition helps readers to understand the magnitude of Jacobs's achievement in writing, publishing, and distributing her life story. However, it also shows how this monumental accomplishment was only the beginning of her contributions, given her advocacy work over the nearly forty years that she lived after its publication. As a survivor of sexual abuse who became an advocate, Jacobs laid a foundation for activist movements such as #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo. This edition also features six appendices, placing resources at readers' fingertips that further illuminate the issues raised by Jacobs's remarkable life and legacy."-- Provided by publisher. |
| General note | First published in the US by Harvard University Press, 1987. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (pages 337-346). |
| Other forms | Issued also in electronic formats. |
| Issued in other form | Online version: Jacobs, Harriet A. (Harriet Ann), 1813-1897. Incidents in the life of a slave girl. Peterborough, Ontario : Broadview Editions, 2023 1770488979 9781770488977 |
| Genre/form | Autobiographies. |
| Genre/form | Biographies. |
| Genre/form | Slave narratives. |
| Genre/form | Autobiographies. |
| Genre/form | Slave narratives. |
| ISBN | 9781554815029 |
| ISBN | 1554815029 (softcover) |
