Title:  Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Henry Bibb, an American Slave, Written by Himself

Author:  Henry Bibb

Release Date:  March 17, 2005 [EBook #15398]

Language:  English

Character set encoding:  ASCII

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NARRATIVE

OF THE

LIFE AND ADVENTURES

OF

Henry Bibb,

An American slave,

Written by himself.

WITH

AN INTRODUCTION

By Lucius C. Matlack.

NEW YORK:  PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR; 5 SPRUCE STREET.

1849

INTRODUCTION.

From the most obnoxious substances we often see spring forth, beautiful and fragrant, flowers of every hue, to regale the eye, and perfume the air.  Thus, frequently, are results originated which are wholly unlike the cause that gave them birth.  An illustration of this truth is afforded by the history of American Slavery.

Naturally and necessarily, the enemy of literature, it has become the prolific theme of much that is profound in argument, sublime in poetry, and thrilling in narrative.  From the soil of slavery itself have sprung forth some of the most brilliant productions, whose logical levers will ultimately upheave and overthrow the system.  Gushing fountains of poetic thought, have started from beneath the rod of violence, that will long continue to slake the feverish thirst of humanity outraged, until swelling to a flood it shall rush with wasting violence over the ill-gotten heritage of the oppressor.  Startling incidents authenticated, far excelling fiction in their touching pathos, from the pen of self-emancipated slaves, do now exhibit slavery in such revolting aspects, as to secure the execrations of all good men, and become a monument more enduring than marble, in testimony strong as sacred writ against it.

Of the class last named, is the narrative of the life of Henry Bibb, which is equally distinguished as a revolting portrait of the hideous slave system, a thrilling narrative of individual suffering, and a triumphant vindication of the slave’s manhood and mental dignity.  And all this is associated with unmistakable traces of originality and truthfulness.

To many, the elevated style, purity of diction, and easy flow of language, frequently exhibited, will appear unaccountable and contradictory, in view of his want of early mental culture.  But to the thousands who have listened with delight to his speeches on anniversary and other occasions, these same traits will be noted as unequivocal evidence of originality.  Very few men present in their written composition, so perfect a transcript of their style as is exhibited by Mr. Bibb.