Subject
Slavery -- Louisiana -- History -- 19th century Books
Best books
Solomon Northup
Twelve Years a Slave Narrative of Solomon Northup, a Citizen of New-York, Kidnapped in Washington City in 1841, and Rescued in 1853, from a Cotton Plantation near the Red River in Louisiana
"Twelve Years a Slave" by Solomon Northup is a memoir published in 1853. Northup, a free black man and musician from New York, recounts how he was deceived, kidnapped, and sold into slavery in the Deep South. His narrative details twelve years of bondage on Louisiana plantations, documenting the brutal realities of slavery—from slave markets to plantation life—before finally securing his freedom. Published shortly after "Uncle Tom's Cabin," this firsthand account became a bestseller with 30,000 copies sold.
Eliza Ripley
Social life in old New Orleans : $b Being recollections of my girlhood
"Social Life in Old New Orleans: Being Recollections of My Girlhood" by Eliza Ripley is a historical account likely written in the early 20th century. The book captures the author's memories of her childhood experiences and social observations in New Orleans during the 1840s, providing readers with an intimate look at the customs, clothing, and daily life of that period. Through Ripley's reminiscences, the narrative explores the nuanced fabric of social life, particularly the roles and behaviors expected of women and children in that era. The opening of the work introduces the reader to a world where children's lives are characterized by simplicity and modesty. Eliza Ripley reflects on her own childhood in 1840 New Orleans, describing the playful yet unobtrusive existence of children who were seldom seen or heard in the bustling social circles of adults. Through her vivid memories, she recounts visits to the French Market, explorations with neighborhood friends, and the discovery of joyous moments during rare social gatherings. The author invokes nostalgia as she describes the attire, interactions, and cultural norms of her youth, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the social tapestry of old New Orleans.
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