William Craft – författare

Husband and wife William and Ellen Craft's break from slavery in 1848 was perhaps the most extraordinary in American history. Numerous newspaper reports in the United States and abroad told of how the two -- fair-skinned Ellen disguised as a white slave master and William posing as her servant -- negotiated heart-pounding brushes with discovery while fleeing Macon, Georgia, for Philadelphia and eventually Boston. No account, though, conveyed the ingenuity, daring, good fortune, and love that characterized their flight for freedom better than the couple's own version, published in 1860, a remarkable authorial accomplishment only twelve years beyond illiteracy. Now their stirring first-person narrative and Richard Blackett's excellent interpretive pieces are brought together in one volume to tell the complete story of the Crafts.

In 1848 William and Ellen Craft made one of the most daring and remarkable escapes in the history of slavery in America. With fair-skinned Ellen in the guise of a white male planter and William posing as her servant, the Crafts traveled by rail and ship—in plain sight and relative luxury—from bondage in Macon, Georgia, to freedom first in Philadelphia, then Boston, and ultimately England.This edition of their thrilling story is newly typeset from the original 1860 text. Eleven annotated supplementary readings, drawn from a variety of contemporary sources, help to place the Crafts’ story within the complex cultural currents of transatlantic abolitionism.

In this short work of 1860, William Craft (c.1825-1900), assisted by his wife Ellen (c.1825-91), recounts the remarkable story of how they escaped from slavery in America. Having married as slaves in Georgia, yet unwilling to raise a family in servitude, the couple came up with a plan to disguise the light-skinned Ellen as a man, with William acting as her slave, and to travel to the north in late 1848. This compelling narrative traces their successful journey to Philadelphia and their subsequent move to Boston, where they became involved in abolitionist activities. Later, the couple sought greater safety in England, where they lived for a number of years and had five children. A success upon its first appearance, the book touches on the themes of race, gender and class in mid-nineteenth-century America, offering modern readers a first-hand account of how barriers to freedom could be overcome.

Ellen Craft and William Craft were slaves from Macon, Georgia who escaped to the North in December 1848 by traveling openly by train and steamboat, arriving in Philadelphia on Christmas Day. She posed as a white male planter and he as her personal servant. Their daring escape was widely publicized, making them among the most famous of fugitive slaves.

The fascinating and moving memoirs of American slaves, William and Ellen Craft. First published in 1860, this volume gives insight into the life and plight of slaves in the 18th century.

Published just before the Civil War, these memoirs are one of the most influential slave narratives. Disguised as a servant and a white male painter, William and Ellen Craft escaped slavery in Georgia, USA, in 1848. They travelled north by rail and river before reaching Philadelphia on Christmas Day. Their exploit was widely covered in the press and became well known, putting their lives in danger.

Read & Co. History has proudly republished this classic memoir, now featuring an introductory chapter by Frederick Douglas, ‘My Escape From Slavery’. Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom is not to be missed by those with an interest in American history.

Ellen Craft and William Craft were slaves from Macon, Georgia who escaped to the North in December 1848 by traveling openly by train and steamboat, arriving in Philadelphia on Christmas Day. She posed as a white male planter and he as her personal servant. Their daring escape was widely publicized, making them among the most famous of fugitive slaves.

This carefully crafted ebook: "Running A Thousand Miles For Freedom – Incredible Escape of William & Ellen Craft from Slavery" is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents. "Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom" chronicles the daring escape of William and Ellen Craft which is often known as the most ingenious plot in fugitive slave history. While Ellen posed as a white male planter William, her husband, posed as her personal servant. The couple cleverly travelled by train and steamboat, escaped nail-biting detection and arrived in Philadelphia on Christmas Day.Excerpt:"It is a common practice in the slave States for ladies, when angry with their maids, to send them to the calybuce sugar-house, or to some other place established for the purpose of punishing slaves, and have them severely flogged; and I am sorry it is a fact, that the villains to whom those defenceless creatures are sent, not only flog them as they are ordered, but frequently compel them to submit to the greatest indignity."William Craft (1824–1900) and Ellen Craft (1826–1891) were slaves from Macon, Georgia in the United States who escaped to the North in December 1848. Their daring escape was widely publicized, making them among the most famous of fugitive slaves in America. But due to the controversial Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 they had to immigrate to Britain for safety where they continued to garner support for the abolishment of slavery.

This unique collection consists of the most influential memoirs - powerful & unflinching narratives of former slaves and stories of people who helped them; including records and letters which unfold all the hardship, hair-breadth escapes and death struggles of the slaves in their efforts to reach freedom:Narrative of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Freedom Fighter & Statesman12 Years a Slave - Memoir of Solomon Northup, a Free-Born African American Who Was Kidnapped and Sold into SlaveryThe Underground Railroad (William Still) - stories of 649 slaves who escaped to freedom through a secret network formed by abolitionists and former slavesHarriet: The Moses of Her People – Story of the Woman Who Led Hundreds of Slaves to Freedom as the Conductor on the Underground RailroadIncidents in the Life of a Slave Girl (Harriet Jacobs)Narrative of Sojourner Truth - leading abolitionist and women''s rights activistThe Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano - Former Slave, Seaman & Freedom FighterUp From Slavery, by Booker T. Washington - the Visionary Educator, Leader and Civil Rights ActivistThe History of Mary Prince, a West Indian Slave – Memoir that Influenced the Anti-Slavery Cause of British ColoniesFather Henson''s Story of His Own Life – by Josiah Henson who was the inspiration for the character of Tom in Uncle Tom''s CabinUncle Tom''s Cabin, anti-slavery influential novel which made a crucial impact on America''s conscience by illustrating slavery''s affect on familiesThe Willie Lynch Letter: The Making of Slave!The Confessions of Nat TurnerThe History of Mary Prince, a West Indian Slave - Autobiography that Influenced the Anti-Slavery Cause of British ColoniesRunning a Thousand Miles for Freedom (William and Ellen Craft)Thirty Years a Slave: From Bondage to Freedom (Louis Hughes)Narrative of the Life of J. D. Green, a Runaway Slave (Jacob D. Green)Behind The Scenes: 30 Years a Slave & 4 Years in the White House (Elizabeth Keckley)

''Unmasking the Silence - 17 Powerful Slave Narratives in One Edition'' delves into the profound depths of human resilience and the fierce spirit of survival through the spectra of slavery''s harsh realities. This anthology compiles a compelling range of narratives that underscore the individual and collective agony, stoicism, and the relentless quest for freedom. The literary styles are as varied as they are intense, from the wrenching directness of firsthand accounts to beautifully wrought prose, offering a panoramic view into the insidious institution of slavery. The standout pieces in this collection unflinchingly confront the pain and degradation imposed upon their subjects, providing an unsanitized historical record. The contributors to ''Unmasking the Silence'' are a cohort of voices profoundly embedded in the struggle against slavery, each bringing a unique but unifying perspective born from their personal experiences. Figures like Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and Harriet Jacobs, among others, are not only pivotal in their autobiographical import but also in the broader sociopolitical discourse concerning liberty, identity, and human rights. Their writings document the resilience of the human spirit in the face of relentless cruelty and became cornerstones for both abolitionist movements and literary genres detailing slave life. This anthology is essential not only as a historical document but as a continued call to awareness and action in the ongoing struggle for human rights. Scholars, students, and general readers interested in the full scope of human experience under slavery will find ''Unmasking the Silence'' a deeply enriching collection. It invites readers into a world of diverse narratives that collectively articulate an unyielded demarcation against oppression while exploring the manifold implications of freedom, resistance, and survival. The anthology serves both as a testament to past horrors and a beacon of hope in understanding the complexities of human nature and resilience.

''Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom'' is an anthology that not only explores the harrowing experiences associated with the quest for freedom but also exhibits a rich tapestry of literary styles that articulate the profound emotional and psychological dimensions of escape from slavery. The anthology is striking for its narrative power and historical significance, weaving together first-person narratives that provide a visceral insight into the bravery and desperation of slaves in antebellum America. The collection stands out for its vivid re-telling of personal journeys, marked by the perilous routes and heartbreaking sacrifices made in the pursuit of liberation, framing a significant portion of American historical narrative through deeply personal lenses. The editors, William and Ellen Craft, themselves escaped slaves, bring a poignant authenticity and authoritative voice to the anthology. Their own legendary escape, cleverly documented within these pages, epitomizes the quest for freedom that defines this collection. Their backgrounds, inherently intertwined with the abolitionist movements and the broader struggle for civil rights, imbue the anthology with a resonance that transcends mere historical documentation, reflecting a lived experience of the relentless fight against subjugation and the complex quest for identity and freedom within an oppressive society. This anthology is an essential read for anyone interested in the real, raw narratives of escape from slavery. It offers a unique compilation of stories that are as educational as they are emotionally stirring. By delivering a multitude of perspectives on the will to freedom, paired with critical introspections of personal and collective identities challenged and reshaped through extreme adversity, this book not only enriches the reader''s understanding of a pivotal era in American history but also invites an ongoing dialogue about freedom, resistance, and human rights.In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:- A succinct Introduction situates the work''s timeless appeal and themes.- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era''s events and influences that shaped the writing.- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work''s messages, connecting them to modern life.- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

''Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom'' is an enlightening anthology that delves into the harrowing yet inspiring narratives of escape and freedom. The collection cohesively navigates through the stylistic landscapes of memoir, historical account, and poignant reflective essays. Poised at the intersection of African American history and the broader cultural resistance against slavery, the featured works stand out for their raw emotional depth and detailed historical perspectives, offering a comprehensive view of the struggles and successes of escaping slavery. Through a blend of firsthand accounts and curated historical analysis, the volume encapsulates a pivotal era of American history, marked by resilience and the relentless quest for autonomy. The editors, William and Ellen Craft, themselves remarkable figures who famously escaped slavery, bring together a compilation that is both personal and expansively historical. Their narratives, enriched by their unique experiences and the broader context of the 19th-century abolitionist movement, offer an authentic insight into the complexities of slavery and the indomitable spirit of those who resisted it. The voices of the Crafts, through both their own writings and the carefully selected works of others, converge to form a powerful dialogue on freedom and human rights. ''Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom'' is pivotal for readers interested in the nuances of racial history and the personal stories behind historical movements. It invites an exploration of multifaceted perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of past injustices and the ongoing dialogue about freedom and equality. This anthology is an essential read for scholars and general readers alike, bridging historical gaps with personal narratives that are both educational and profoundly moving.