Slave Testimony: Two Centuries of Letters, Speeches, Interviews, and Autobiographies

by John W. Blassingame

Book Overview

"A magisterial and landmark work, one that merits wide and thoughtful readership not only by historians, but, more important, by those of us who count on historians to tell us truly about our past."--New York Times

"A testament to the resilience of the black spirit, faced with a primitive and largely conscienceless regime."--Bertram Wyatt-Brown, South Atlantic Quarterly

"This volume does much more than merely present...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0807102733
• ISBN13: 9780807102732
• Release Date: June 1977
• Publisher: LSU Press
• Length: 844 Pages
• Weight: 2.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Right up there with the WPA Slave narratives

Most people who are familiar with firsthand testimony of slave life know about the WPA slave narratives of the 1930s where balc and white writers interviewed ex-slaves about their experiences. A number of good books have come form the 19 volumes collected of that material and my students in the African-American class I teach enjoy reading them. However, anyone interested in firsthand writings of the American slave experience should not do without this. This is a fascinating collection of writings, letters, and interviews of slaves known and unknown. Robert Smalls, the South Carolina Reconstruction hero, is shown in a early interview around 1863 describing the effects of slavery on its victims. Also, one of Robert E. Lee's slaves debunks the myth of his supposed benevolence toward his slaves (Confederate defenders take note). Overall, this is a valuable addition to firsthand literature of a vanished but important period of American history. History teachers in particular will enjoy it immensely.

First Hand Testimony

It's hard to believe that this is the first review of Blassingame's classic work. Here he has compiled hundreds of first-hand testimonies from slaves. What is so remarkable and helpful is the diversity of sources: letters, speeches, interviews, autobiographies, newspaper articles, and more. For the researcher and for the lay reader, there is no better place to experience the experiences of the enslaved African Americans than here. Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction." He has also authored "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," and the forthcoming "Sacred Friendships: Listening to the Voices of Women Soul Care-Givers and Spiritual Directors."