Includes bibliographical references (p. 223-241) and index.
Contents
Of masks, mimicry, and invisibility -- Sable patriots and modern Egyptians : Phillis Wheatley, Joel Barlow, and Ann Eliza Bleecker -- Capturing the captivity : African Americans among the Puritans -- Enslaving the saved : the narratives of Henry Bibb and William Wells Brown -- "It is natural to believe in great men" -- The blackwoman in the attic -- Dressing up and dressing down : Elizabeth Keckley's Behind the scenes at the White House and Eliza Potter's A hairdresser's experience in high life -- Conclusion : the beginning of African American literature.