William Wells Brown spent the first twenty years of his life mainly in St. Louis and the surrounding areas working as a house servant, field hand, a tavern keeper's assistant, a printer's helper, an assistant in a medical office, and a handyman for James Walker, a Missouri slave trader. During his time with Walker, Brown made three trips up and down the Mississippi River. These trips allowed him to encounter slavery from every perspective and provided experiences he would draw on throughout his writing career.

The first African-American man of letters recalls his life as a slave in one volume featuring his two classic works, Narrative of William W. Brown, a Fugitive Slave (1848) and My Southern Home. Original.

Edited and with an Introduction by William L. Andrews. In a first person narrative that makes the unthinkable that was slavery not only credible but chillingly real.

Step into the harrowing world of William Wells Brown's "Narrative of William W. Brown, a Fugitive Slave". Follow the journey of one man's quest for freedom against the backdrop of a nation divided by slavery and injustice. As Brown's powerful narrative unfolds, immerse yourself in the struggles and triumphs of a man determined to break the chains of bondage and claim his rightful place as a free individual. But amidst the brutality and oppression lies a question that echoes through the pages: What does it truly mean to be free, and at what cost does one achieve liberation? Experience the raw emotion and unyielding spirit of Brown's story as he confronts the horrors of slavery and the relentless pursuit of freedom. Are you prepared to bear witness to the resilience and courage of those who fought for their freedom? Enter a world where every step towards liberation is fraught with danger and uncertainty, yet fueled by the unbreakable human spirit. Don't miss your chance to experience the powerful story of "Narrative of William W. Brown, a Fugitive Slave". Purchase your copy now and honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom against all odds. Indulge in the courage and determination of William Wells Brown as he shares his remarkable journey from bondage to liberation in this unforgettable narrative.

A New York Times Notable Book Selection Winner of the Mark Lynton History Prize Winner of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award Winner of the Lionel Trilling Book Award A New York Times Critics' Best Book "Excellent... stunning."—Ta-Nehisi Coates This book tells the story of America’s original sin—slavery—through politics, law, literature, and above all, through the eyes of enslavedblack people who risked their lives to flee from bondage, thereby forcing the nation to confront the truth about itself. The struggle over slavery divided not only the American nation but also the hearts and minds of individual citizens faced with the timeless problem of when to submit to unjust laws and when to resist. The War Before the War illuminates what brought us to war with ourselves and the terrible legacies of slavery that are with us still.