Charles Ball

Fifty Years in Chains; or, the Life of an American Slave (eBook, ePUB)

Surviving the Cruelty: An Insider's Account of American Slavery

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

In "Fifty Years in Chains; or, the Life of an American Slave," Charles Ball provides a harrowing and vivid account of his own experiences as an enslaved African American. This memoir not only chronicles his personal suffering and resilience but also shines a light on the brutal realities of slavery in the early 19th century. Ball's prose is marked by a poignant clarity, blending straightforward narration with rich emotional detail that engages readers while provoking critical reflections on the societal implications of enslavement. Set against the larger backdrop of antebellum America, this work serves as both a historical document and a heartfelt plea for justice, illustrating the dehumanizing effects of slavery on individuals and families alike. Charles Ball, born into slavery in Maryland, endured immense hardships that molded him into a passionate advocate for abolition. His narrative is rooted in lived experience, granting authenticity to his observations. Ball'Äôs eventual escape and subsequent activism reflect a courageous commitment to confront the social injustices of his time, revealing a moral compass that steered him towards both writing and advocacy for the rights of African Americans. "Fifty Years in Chains" is a must-read for anyone interested in the American narrative of slavery, social justice, and the quest for human dignity. Ball'Äôs poignant insights remain relevant today, making this memoir not only an essential historical text but also a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle for freedom.

---

Dieser Download kann aus rechtlichen Gründen nur mit Rechnungsadresse in A, B, BG, CY, CZ, D, DK, EW, E, FIN, F, GR, H, IRL, I, LT, L, LR, M, NL, PL, P, R, S, SLO, SK ausgeliefert werden.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Good Press
• Seitenzahl: 313
• Erscheinungstermin: 22. November 2019
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 4057664636225
• Artikelnr.: 58434918

Autorenporträt

Charles Ball (1781-?) was an African-American slave and author, best known for his 1837 autobiography, 'Fifty Years in Chains; or, the Life of an American Slave', which provides a detailed, first-person account of the brutal conditions and harsh realities of a slave's life in the early 19th century United States. Little is known about the precise details of Ball's life, but his narrative begins with recollections of his earliest days in Maryland, and his thirty-nine years endured in servitude across the southern states. Ball's book is not only a memoir but also a powerful abolitionist document, bringing to light the suffering and inhumanity of the institution of slavery. This work, which stands alongside other slave narratives of the period, such as those by Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobs, is invaluable for its direct testimony of Ball's experiences, including his time on the cotton plantations and his multiple attempts at gaining freedom, offering insight into the psychological and physical toll of slavery. Ball's narrative is characterized by its clear prose and often harrowing details, which has made it a poignant and influential piece of American literary history and an important source for scholars studying slavery and African-American literature. However, readers should note that the text's authenticity, like many slave narratives, has been the subject of scholarly debate.