UNCLE TOM'S CABIN; or, Life Among the Lowly
by Stowe Harriet Beecher
- Used
- Hardcover
- first
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
-
Newburyport, Massachusetts, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
‘For Harriet Beecher Stowe, the battle against slavery was a God-ordained crusade to cleanse the United States of an evil affront to humanity. In the emotion charged atmosphere of mid-19th century America this novel exploded like an atomic bomb. For those opposed to slavery it was a testament to all that was wrong in an evil system. To the pro-slavery forces it was considered a slanderous attack on an established way of life. In either case, the impact of UNCLE TOM’S CABIN on the society of the United States of America was probably greater than any book published before or since’. PMM
Stowe presented her story in the style of popular works of the era [melodramatically]--and with religious undertones, but the themes of the novel--the breaking up of families, violence, the naive idea of a return to Africa, and the question of slaves’ agency in this oppression--are historically significant. Stowe had not only witnessed incidents like the ones described in her novel, but “had long been concerned about slavery, having read the autobiographies of Frederick Douglass and Louis Clark, as well as the abolitionist tracts of L.M. Child and Theodore Weld, and in 1850, when the Fugitive Slave Act was passed, she began writing Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” [The Fem GT Lit in Eng] The Fugitive Slave Act, in combination with her book, were arguably the catalysts for the Civil War, as even Lincoln implied upon meeting Stowe.
The initial printing sold out immediately. Of the roughly 5000 copies of the first issue printed, 3000 are believed to have sold on the very first day. An amazing and unmatched achievement in 19th century book selling. Reissues appeared immediately, eight steam-powered presses were dedicated to this title by the publisher and yet they still failed to keep up with demand. By the end of the year over 300,000 copies were sold. Thus, true first issues are understandably very hard to come by. In fact, all of the early issues are very difficult to find in good condition. This was one of the most read, passed along, reread and passed along again books in history, certainly in American literature few other titles even come close.
It is said that for writing this extraordinary bestseller Ms. Stowe was paid only $300. For her the battle against slavery was a God-ordained crusade to cleanse the United States of an Evil affront to Humanity. In the emotion charged atmosphere of 19th century America this novel exploded like an atomic bomb. For those opposed to slavery it was a testament to all that was wrong in an evil system. To the pro-slavery forces it was considered a slanderous attack on an established way of life. In either case, the impact of UNCLE TOM’S CABIN on the society of the United States of America was probably greater than any book published before or since.
Synopsis
In Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriett Beecher Stowe, the title character Uncle Tom is a long-suffering slave, loyal to both his faith and his master. Presented with an opportunity to escape, he instead chooses to remain in slavery to avoid embarrassing his master. After being sold to a slave trader, Tom suffers brutal treatment and is eventually beaten to death for his refusal to betray his friends — made to represent an ideal of true Christianity. Enormously popular (it was the best-selling novel of the 19th century) and influential, it’s publication in 1852 was instrumental in bringing visibility to the cruel reality of slavery. In more recent years, it has come under considerable criticism for its portrayal of meekness and subservience and the phrase “Uncle Tom” is sometimes used as an epithet for someone seen as overly subservient.
Read More: Identifying first editions of UNCLE TOM'S CABIN; or, Life Among the Lowly
Reviews
Excellent book to gain empathy and insight into the enslaved pathos, struggle and plight! This book presents well designed ideas to ennoble and elivate the human race as brothers, and sisters of a common God, and Father of us all.
(Log in or Create an Account first!)
Details
- Bookseller
- Buddenbrooks, Inc. (US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 31849
- Title
- UNCLE TOM'S CABIN; or, Life Among the Lowly
- Author
- Stowe Harriet Beecher
- Book Condition
- Used
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Publisher
- John P. Jewett & Company
- Place of Publication
- Boston
- Date Published
- 1852
- Weight
- 0.00 lbs
- Note
- May be a multi-volume set and require additional postage.
Terms of Sale
Buddenbrooks, Inc.
About the Seller
Buddenbrooks, Inc.
About Buddenbrooks, Inc.
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Gilt
- The decorative application of gold or gold coloring to a portion of a book on the spine, edges of the text block, or an inlay in...
- Edges
- The collective of the top, fore and bottom edges of the text block of the book, being that part of the edges of the pages of a...
- First Edition
- In book collecting, the first edition is the earliest published form of a book. A book may have more than one first edition in...
- Fine
- A book in fine condition exhibits no flaws. A fine condition book closely approaches As New condition, but may lack the...
- Spine
- The outer portion of a book which covers the actual binding. The spine usually faces outward when a book is placed on a shelf....
- Tight
- Used to mean that the binding of a book has not been overly loosened by frequent use.
- Rubbing
- Abrasion or wear to the surface. Usually used in reference to a book's boards or dust-jacket.
- Cloth
- "Cloth-bound" generally refers to a hardcover book with cloth covering the outside of the book covers. The cloth is stretched...