Throughout the 19th century, both before and after Emancipation, Black women wrote and published novels, poetry and personal histories. Ferguson (American and African American literature, U. of
North Carolina) has selected a sample of memoirs, essays, stories and a play, most published before 1865. The spiritual, sexual and social experiences of these women share the common thread of
the oppression of slavery and prejudice. However, each piece demonstrates the individuality of these women, from an evangelist, to a dressmaker for May Lincoln to noted reporter Ida B.
Wells-Barnett, a contemporary of Nellie Bly. This is useful as a textbook but also for anyone who is interested in 19th-century literature. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
(booknews.com)
