Three Years in Europe: Places I Have Seen and People I Have Met

by William Wells Brown

"Three Years in Europe: Places I Have Seen and People I Have Met" by W. Wells Brown is a travel narrative written in the mid-19th century. The author, a fugitive slave, recounts his experiences and observations while traveling through various countries in Europe, highlighting the stark contrast between American and European society, particularly in terms of attitudes toward race and freedom. The book likely focuses on themes of liberty, humanity, and the quest for equality, offering insights into both the places he visits and the different cultures he encounters. The opening of the book details Brown's departure from Boston and his journey across the Atlantic to Liverpool. As he reflects on the feelings of leaving his home, he notes the emotional turmoil that accompanies the sense of freedom he hopes to find in England. Upon arriving in Liverpool, he observes the welcoming atmosphere in contrast to the prejudice he faced in America, even mentioning an encounter with an iron collar, a symbol of the cruelty of slavery. This beginning sets the stage for his exploration of Europe and serves as a poignant reflection on his own identity as a freedman. Brown's narrative is enriched with various reflections, personal emotions, and social commentary, laying the groundwork for his later experiences and observations in other parts of Europe.