(SLAVERY AND ABOLITION.) Bibb, Henry. Narrative of the Life and Adventures of . . . an American Slave, Written by Himself. Numerous text illustrations. [2], 204, [3] pages, 12mo, publisher's pictorial gilt cloth, minor wear; moderate foxing; pencil inscriptions on endpapers. New York: Published by the author, 1849
first edition. Henry Walton Bibb (1815-1854) lived under slavery in Kentucky until escaping in 1842 to Detroit. There he became a successful abolitionist author and lecturer, moving to Canada in 1850 to avoid the effects of the Fugitive Slave Law. This popular narrative of his slavery and escape begins "I was brought up in the Counties of Shelby, Henry, Oldham, and Trimble. Or, more correctly speaking . . . I was flogged up." He offers an eloquent account of tyrannical masters and mistresses, multiple escapes and beatings, and his separation from his wife and daughter. With an introduction by abolitionist Lucius Matlack. Afro-Americana 1152; Sabin 46866n; Work, page 311.
