origins of African American literature, 1680-1865, The

origins of African American literature, 1680-1865, The

By Dickson D. Bruce

Book Description

This groundbreaking scholarly work reveals how African American writers from 1680 to 1865 created a powerful literary tradition that spoke directly to the heart of American society. Rather than existing on the margins, these voices engaged in dynamic conversations with the broader culture, offering profound insights into American ideals and the human condition.

Bruce demonstrates how writers like Phillis Wheatley, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Jacobs, and Martin Delany, along with many lesser-known authors, crafted works that resonated widely with readers across racial lines. Their writings emerged not in isolation but as active participants in the cultural dialogues of their time, challenging assumptions while contributing to the evolving American literary landscape.

Through careful examination of both celebrated and overlooked texts, this study traces how African American literature developed its distinctive voice and vision. The book explores how historical circumstances shaped these writers' perspectives and how their works, in turn, influenced broader conversations about freedom, identity, and justice.

For readers interested in understanding how literature can serve as a vehicle for social engagement and spiritual expression, this work offers valuable insights into the power of authentic voice and the courage required to speak truth within challenging circumstances. It illuminates how creative expression can bridge divides and contribute to collective understanding across different communities and experiences.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~10 hours)

📄 Length: 374 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Explore American literature, history and criticism, revolutionary period, 1775-1783
  • ✓ Explore Colonial period
  • ✓ Explore Histoire et critique
  • ✓ Explore Slaves' writings, history and criticism
  • ✓ Explore American literature -- 19th century -- History and criticism
  • ✓ Explore Slaves' writings, American -- History and criticism
  • ✓ Explore Slaves' writings, American
  • ✓ Explore Écrits d'esclaves américains

Topics Covered

American literature, history and criticism, revolutionary period, 1775-1783 Colonial period Histoire et critique Slaves' writings, history and criticism American literature -- 19th century -- History and criticism Slaves' writings, American -- History and criticism Slaves' writings, American Écrits d'esclaves américains African Americans Auteurs noirs américains Noirs américains dans la littérature Slavery in literature African americans, intellectual life Revolutionary period (United States) African Americans -- Intellectual life -- 19th century American literature Littérature américaine African American authors African Americans in literature American literature -- 1783-1850 -- History and criticism American literature, african american authors, history and criticism African Americans -- Intellectual life -- 17th century American literature -- Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775 -- History and criticism Noirs américains American literature, history and criticism, 19th century History and criticism American literature, history and criticism, colonial period, ca. 1600-1775 Vie intellectuelle American literature, history and criticism, 1783-1850 Esclavage dans la littérature Intellectual life American literature -- Revolutionary period, 1775-1783 -- History and criticism African Americans -- Intellectual life -- 18th century Literatur American literature -- African American authors -- History and criticism

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