The former slave William Wells Brown gives his autobiography "Narrative of William W. Brown, a Fugitive Slave". He aims to give a portrayal of his former life, the cruelties he endured as a slave and the reason leading to his escape from his master. He wrote the book about three years after this. Wells has a special challenge to the Christians of his nation to join him in restoring the dignity of the slaves so that they may best receive the gospel message. The novel captures the important theme of the role of the American Church as both the sometimes woeful enabler of the horrors of slavery and also as a force of good that contributed significantly to the end of the practice.

Narrative of the author's experiences as a slave in St. Louis and elsewhere.

A showcase of the extraordinary career America’s first Black novelist and pivotal figure in African American literature “It is difficult to imagine any one of his contemporaries who contributed as much or as richly to so many genres.” —Henry Louis Gates Jr. Born a slave and kept functionally illiterate until he escaped at age nineteen, William Wells Brown (1814–1884) refashioned himself first as an agent of the Underground Railroad, then as an antislavery activist and self-taught orator, and finally as the author of a series of landmark works that made him, like Frederick Douglass, a foundational figure of African American literature. His controversial novel Clotel; or, the President’s Daughter (1853), a fictionalized account of the lives and struggles of Thomas Jefferson’s black daughters and granddaughters, is the first novel written by an African American. This Library of America volume brings it together with Brown’s other groundbreaking works: Narrative of William W. Brown: A Fugitive Slave, Written by Himself (1847), his first published book and an immediate bestseller, which describes his childhood, life in slavery, and eventual escape; later memoirs charting his life during the Civil War and Reconstruction; the first play (The Escape; or, A Leap for Freedom, 1858), travelogue (The American Fugitive in Europe, 1855), and history (The Black Man, His Antecedents, His Genius, and His Achievements, 1862) written by an African American; and eighteen speeches and public letters from the 1840s, 50s, and 60s, many collected here for the first time. LIBRARY OF AMERICA is an independent nonprofit cultural organization founded in 1979 to preserve our nation’s literary heritage by publishing, and keeping permanently in print, America’s best and most significant writing. The Library of America series includes more than 300 volumes to date, authoritative editions that average 1,000 pages in length, feature cloth covers, sewn bindings, and ribbon markers, and are printed on premium acid-free paper that will last for centuries.

An influential force in the abolition movement and a lasting testimonial to the injustice of slavery, Brown's Narrative was an instant bestseller upon its 1847 publication and remains essential reading. It offers a sincere and moving account of the author's experiences during the first 20 years of his life as a slave in Missouri.

Originally published in 1847, William W. Brown offers a first-person narrative that details his enslavement and the daring escape that ultimately led to his freedom. It's a captivating tale and testament to the perseverance and strength of the human spirit. In this narrative, William W. Brown presents the true story of his birth and life as an enslaved African American. He provides a truthful look at his origins, noting the unfortunate dynamic between his Black mother and white father. Brown goes into great detail explaining the rules and regulations of plantation life. He also discusses working on a steamboat, which eventually leads to his escape. Narrative of William W. Brown is a sobering story that illuminates the horrors of an inhumane institution. It's personal and vital record that gives insight into the darkest time in American history. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Narrative of William W. Brown is both modern and readable.

In 1847, Brown published his memoir, the Narrative of William W. Brown, a Fugitive Slave, Written by Himself, which became a bestseller second only to Frederick Douglass' slave narrative. He critiques his master's lack of Christian values and the brutal use of violence in master-slave relations.

Step into the harrowing world of William Wells Brown's "Narrative of William W. Brown, a Fugitive Slave". Follow the journey of one man's quest for freedom against the backdrop of a nation divided by slavery and injustice. As Brown's powerful narrative unfolds, immerse yourself in the struggles and triumphs of a man determined to break the chains of bondage and claim his rightful place as a free individual. But amidst the brutality and oppression lies a question that echoes through the pages: What does it truly mean to be free, and at what cost does one achieve liberation? Experience the raw emotion and unyielding spirit of Brown's story as he confronts the horrors of slavery and the relentless pursuit of freedom. Are you prepared to bear witness to the resilience and courage of those who fought for their freedom? Enter a world where every step towards liberation is fraught with danger and uncertainty, yet fueled by the unbreakable human spirit. Don't miss your chance to experience the powerful story of "Narrative of William W. Brown, a Fugitive Slave". Purchase your copy now and honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom against all odds. Indulge in the courage and determination of William Wells Brown as he shares his remarkable journey from bondage to liberation in this unforgettable narrative.