Dating from 1853 to 1902, these autobiographical narratives give us a keen insight into four vastly different lives. Nancy Price, born free in Massachusetts in 1799, tells of her travels to Europe, Russia, and Jamaica. Susie King Taylor, who escaped to freedom during the Civil War, records her experiences as teacher, laundress, and nurse with the Union Army, and her later experiences during Reconstruction. Bethany Veney tells of her life in slavery and freedom and her spiritual growth. Louisa Picquet, held as a slave and concubine until the late 1840s, focuses on her life as sexual victim and her efforts to buy her mother out of slavery.

Introduction by: Anthony G. Barthelemy