The Cambridge Companion to the African American Slave Narrative

by Audrey Fisch (Editor)

The slave narrative has become a crucial genre within African American literary studies and an invaluable record of the experience and history of slavery in the United States. This Companion examines the slave narrative's relation to British and American abolitionism, Anglo-American literary traditions such as autobiography and sentimental literature, and the larger African American literary tradition. Special attention is paid to leading exponents of the genre such as Olaudah Equiano, Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobs, as well as many other, less well known examples. Further essays explore the rediscovery of the slave narrative and its subsequent critical reception, as well as the uses to which the genre is put by modern authors such as Toni Morrison. With its chronology and guide to further reading, the Companion provides both an easy entry point for students new to the subject and comprehensive coverage and original insights for scholars in the field.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

292 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2007

About the author

Audrey A. Fisch

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, obviously not the most cheerful read, but nevertheless a genuinely interesting look into the field of slave narratives and their influence on Afro American literature and the abolitionist debate. Quite repetitive, but hey, I guess it wasn't really designed as a page turner in the first place.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

* 3.5

[leni swagger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read two very insightful articles on Harriet Jacobs and Frederick Douglas! The one on Jacobs was incredibly informative, explaining the struggle of authentication regarding her work. Like other reviews mentioned, this isn't exactly the most literary stimulating work nor does it offer any groundbreaking essays, but it's still very good!
Note:
Nevermind, guys. I had to read two more chapters from the same book (basically more than half the book...) and it's a bit better now. The chapter on "The slave narrative and sentimental literature" was impeccable, but the " The slave narrative and the literature of abolition" brought the rating back to its 3 stars. Again, cannot really judge its literary value, but it still wasn't that great.

[Kelly Rosalyn Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

helpful for uni essay!