A Surprising Source of Information About a Largely Forgotten Segment of the Colonial Population In an age when individuals could be owned by others; people were lost and found just like other property. Indentured servants and slaves absconded from the custody of their masters; and their value prompted the masters to seek their return. Wives ran from abusive husbands or into the arms of another. Newspapers in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries carried large numbers of advertisements offering rewards for the return of runaways or announcing the detention of fugitives. Each ad provided a description of the individual and often included some circumstances of their elopement. The overall effectiveness of these advertisements cannot be measured; but the sheer number of ads suggests they were perceived as useful tools by those who placed them. What could not have been known at the time was the substantial contribution to history that these ads make. The descriptive advertisements provide textual snapshots of thousands of individuals who would otherwise be lost to history; people whose names might not otherwise be recorded. In Wives; Slaves; and Servant Girls: Advertisements for Female Runaways in American Newspapers; 1770–1783; historian Don N. Hagist focuses on the American Revolutionary period to provide a striking portrait of a substantial but largely forgotten segment of the population. Comprised of four hundred advertisements presented chronologically; the volume provides invaluable descriptions of women’s clothes; footwear; jewelry; physical appearances; education; nationalities; occupations; and other details.
#29275 in Books imusti 2008-12-30 2008-12-30Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .60 x 5.30l; .43 #File Name: 1592404308224 pagesGotham Books
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. So funny! Don't read this if you are easily offendedBy CustomerSo funny! Don't read this if you are easily offended. It is written with a humorous twist and takes on a little bit of everyone. You can tell that a lot of research was put into this book. I gave it as a gift and was tempted to keep it for myself after reading parts!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great book!By Apr :-)I wish I had a few more of these to pass out as gifts. From the first page; I was laughing out loud. Towards the end; I was worn out by all the racist content; but that is probably part of the author's intent... I will say that if you have someone in mind for this book; they will most likely enjoy it very; very much.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Interesting readBy Maggie StoneGreat; thank you.
