42 pages • 1 hour read
Mary PrinceThe History of Mary Prince: A West Indian Slave
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1830A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The History of Mary Prince recounts the life of Mary Prince, a Black woman subjected to enslavement in the Caribbean before ultimately finding some measure of freedom in England. Published in 1831, the book is structured into four sections: a preface by abolitionist Thomas Pringle, Prince's oral autobiography transcribed by Susanna Strickland Moodie, a supplement by Pringle detailing his efforts to secure Prince's permanent freedom, and the "Narrative of Asa-Asa," an account of another formerly enslaved individual.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The History of Mary Prince by Mary Prince offers a compelling narrative detailing the brutality of slavery from a firsthand perspective. Readers praise its raw, heartfelt portrayal of personal suffering and resilience. However, some critique its limited scope and contextual information. Overall, it's an eye-opening autobiography essential for understanding the human impact of slavery.
Who Should Read The History of Mary Prince?
Readers interested in firsthand accounts of slavery, social justice, and early African American literature would find The History of Mary Prince compelling. Comparable to Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, this autobiography offers critical insights into the brutal realities of enslavement and the quest for freedom.