William Wells Brown’s Clotel (1853), the first novel written by an African American, was published in London while Brown was still legally regarded as "property" within the borders of the United States. The novel was inspired by the story of Thomas Jefferson’s purported sexual relationship with his slave Sally Hemings. Brown fictionalizes the stories of Jefferson’s mistress, daughters, and granddaughters — all of whom are slaves — in order to demythologize the dominant U.S. cultural narrative celebrating Jefferson’s America as a nation of freedom and equality for all. The documents in this edition include excerpts from Brown’s sources for the novel — fiction, political essays, sermons, and presidential proclamations; selections that illuminate the range of contemporary attitudes concerning race, slavery, and prejudice; and pieces that advocate various methods of resistance and reform.
Robert S. Levine Books
Robert S. Levine is a distinguished university professor of English whose scholarship delves deeply into American literature. He is recognized for his insightful analysis of literary works and their cultural significance. His editorial leadership further highlights his commitment to disseminating and interpreting the American literary tradition.
The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Vol. A - Ninth Edition
- 1064 pages
- 38 hours of reading
Read by more than 2.5 million students over 30 years, The Norton Anthology of American Literature sets the standard and remains an unmatched value.