42 pages • 1 hour read
The History of Mary Prince: A West Indian Slave
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Book Brief
The History of Mary Prince
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 183069
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
West Indies • 1800s
1830
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The History of Mary Prince recounts the life of Mary Prince, a Black woman subjected to enslavement in the Caribbean before ultimately finding some measure of freedom in England. Published in 1831, the book is structured into four sections: a preface by abolitionist Thomas Pringle, Prince's oral autobiography transcribed by Susanna Strickland Moodie, a supplement by Pringle detailing his efforts to secure Prince's permanent freedom, and the "Narrative of Asa-Asa," an account of another formerly enslaved individual.
Informative
Emotional
Challenging
Inspirational
Dark
Reviews & Readership
3,580 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The History of Mary Prince by Mary Prince offers a compelling narrative detailing the brutality of slavery from a firsthand perspective. Readers praise its raw, heartfelt portrayal of personal suffering and resilience. However, some critique its limited scope and contextual information. Overall, it's an eye-opening autobiography essential for understanding the human impact of slavery.
Who Should Read The History of Mary Prince?
Readers interested in firsthand accounts of slavery, social justice, and early African American literature would find The History of Mary Prince compelling. Comparable to Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, this autobiography offers critical insights into the brutal realities of enslavement and the quest for freedom.
3,580 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Thomas Pringle
Thomas Pringle
A Scottish abolitionist and editor of Mary Prince's history, who supported her narrative and played a role in advancing her manumission efforts while also employing her as a house servant.
Susanna Strickland Moodie
Susanna Strickland Moodie
An abolitionist and writer who transcribed Mary Prince's narrative based on Prince's oral account, playing the role of an amanuensis in the production of the autobiography.
Betsey Williams
Betsey Williams
The granddaughter of Captain Darrel, to whom both Mary Prince and her mother were given as a "gift," and with whom Prince shared childhood experiences while being aware of their unequal status.
Daniel James
Daniel James
A free Black carpenter and cooper who married Mary Prince in Antigua, becoming part of the narrative concerning her personal life and the continuation of her story.
Mr. and Mrs. Wood
Mr. and Mrs. Wood
The enslavers of Mary Prince in Antigua and England, notable for their particularly harsh treatment of her and their refusal to grant her freedom.
69
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
West Indies • 1800s
1830
Adult
18+ years
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