In this groundbreaking compilation of first-person accounts of the runaway slave phenomenon; editors Devon W. Carbado and Donald Weise have recovered twelve narratives spanning eight decades—more than half of which have been long out of print. Told in the voices of the runaway slaves themselves; these narratives reveal the extraordinary and often innovative ways that these men and women sought freedom and demanded citizenship. Also included is an essay by UCLA history professor Brenda Stevenson that contextualizes these narratives; providing a brief yet comprehensive history of slavery; as well as a look into the daily life of a slave. Divided into four categories—running away for family; running inspired by religion; running by any means necessary; and running to be free—these stories are a testament to the indelible spirit of these remarkable survivors. The Long Walk to Freedom presents excerpts from the narratives of well-known runaway slaves; like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobs; as well as from the narratives of lesser-known and virtually unknown people. Several of these excerpts have not been published for more than a hundred years. But they all portray the courageous and sometimes shocking ways that these men and women sought their freedom and asserted power; often challenging many of the common assumptions about slaves’ lack of agency. Among the remarkable and inspiring stories is the tense but triumphant tale of Henry Box Brown; who; with a white abolitionist’s help; shipped himself in a box—over a twenty-seven-hour train ride; part of which he spent standing on his head—to freedom in Philadelphia. And there’s the story of William and Ellen Craft; who fled across thousands of miles; with Ellen; who was light-skinned; disguised as a white male slave-owner so she and her husband could achieve their dream of raising their children as free people. Gripping; inspiring; and captivating; The Long Walk to Freedom is a remarkable collection that celebrates those who risked their lives in pursuit of basic human rights.
#22651 in Books 2000-03-30 2000-03-30Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .0 x .0 x .0l; .79 #File Name: 0807014265196 pages
Review
237 of 240 people found the following review helpful. The deepest insights in the most simple words.By EnIf you're in pain; read this book. If you're scared; read this book. If you are lost; read this book. If you are happy; read this book. If you have time; read this book. If you don't have time; read this book. Read this book; read this book."We who lived in the concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others; giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number; but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms--to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances; to choose one's own way."90 of 94 people found the following review helpful. A classicBy Steven J. O'malleyI read this in college and ordered again to read some 40 years later. Frankl relates the severe conditions in the concentration camp. Those without any purpose seemed to perish. Those that had developed purpose and meaning to the harsh conditions got out of bed every morning to face another unbearable day. this book is a classic. anything less than 5 stars would be a reflection on me.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. death and survival - He point out that those who looked to the future and had something to expect when the war was over - more of them survived - A great book of men living under dire circumstancesBy Charles E. GreerViktor E. Frankl was captured and spent most of WWII in a German prison camp - The book "Man's Search For Meaning" is his account of that time - suffering; death and survival - He point out that those who looked to the future and had something to expect when the war was over - more of them survived - A great book of men living under dire circumstances....All who purchase will be informed to accept and endure great struggles in life.
