Elizabeth Keckley

Behind the Scene (eBook, ePUB)

30 Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

In "Behind the Scene," Elizabeth Keckley provides a poignant and revealing memoir that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of America's elite before the Civil War. Crafted in a conversational narrative style, Keckley intertwines her personal experiences as a formerly enslaved woman who rises to prominence as a dressmaker for Mary Todd Lincoln. The book is imbued with reflections on race, class, and gender, situating it within the broader context of 19th-century American society, and it candidly portrays the complexities of her relationship with the First Lady amidst the tumult of political unrest and societal challenges. Elizabeth Keckley, born into slavery, overcame significant obstacles to forge a successful career in the North, largely due to her talent and resilience. Her experiences are shaped by her firsthand encounters with social hierarchy and racial dynamics, which inform her narrative. Keckley's dual identity as both an insider in elite circles and an outsider facing systemic oppression frames her narrative with authenticity, reflecting the inner struggles and aspirations of many in her position. This compelling memoir is a must-read for historians, literary scholars, and anyone interested in the voices that shaped American history. "Behind the Scene" not only serves as a vital primary source but also enriches our understanding of the personal narratives that challenge and complicate the historical discourse surrounding slavery and emancipation.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: Copycat
• Erscheinungstermin: 9. Februar 2017
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 9788028226121
• Artikelnr.: 65714122

Autorenporträt

Elizabeth Keckley (1818-1907) was a remarkable African American woman who gained prominence as an author, seamstress, and confidante to Mary Todd Lincoln, the First Lady of the United States. Born into slavery, Keckley purchased freedom for herself and her son through her own industrious efforts as a skilled dressmaker. As a free woman in Washington, D.C., her talent and hard work brought her to the attention of the city's elite, culminating in her appointment as Mrs. Lincoln's personal modiste. Keckley's unique vantage point within the White House during one of the most turbulent times in American history, the Civil War, provided her with remarkable insights into the personal and political lives of the Lincolns. Her memoir, 'Behind the Scenes: Or, Thirty Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House' (1868), is an invaluable historical document that brings to light the intimate experiences of her life as a slave, her career as a successful entrepreneur, and her friendship with the First Lady. Keckley's literary style combines a frank and straightforward narrative with a poignant and insightful reflection on the racial and social dynamics of the time. Her book serves not only as an important slave narrative but also as a unique perspective on the inner workings of the Lincoln White House. Through her written words, Keckley's legacy lives on, providing scholars and readers alike with a rare glimpse into the complex fabric of American history.