ELIZABETH KECKLEY

Behind the Scenes (1868) was written by American civil activist and author, Elizabeth Keckley, who is best known as the confidante of the First Lady, Mary Todd Lincoln. Her astonishing life story is told in this autobiographical book which traces her eventful life, from enslavement in Virginia and thirty years as a slave to her eventual freedom and time working in the White House. This enthralling, poignant book is an extraordinary piece of American history that will delight anyone interested in slave narratives, such as Frederick Douglass Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. -

In "Behind the Scenes," Elizabeth Keckley offers a compelling insiders account of the tumultuous era of the American Civil War, intertwining her personal narrative as a formerly enslaved woman and her unique position as a dressmaker to Mary Todd Lincoln. Crafted with an evocative prose style, Keckleys memoir delves into the intricate social fabric of the White House, providing a rare glimpse into the lives of the Lincoln family and the political machinations surrounding the presidency. This work occupies a critical place in the literary canon, reflecting the voices of marginalized communities while shedding light on the profound intersections of race, class, and power during a pivotal moment in American history. Elizabeth Keckleys own life story informs her poignant observations throughout the memoir. Having developed her skills in dressmaking while enslaved, she earned her freedom through tenacity and industry. Her close relationship with Mary Todd Lincoln not only afforded her unparalleled access to the heart of American politics but also placed her in the unique position of bearing witness to both the personal and political struggles of those in power. "Behind the Scenes" is highly recommended for readers interested in American history, social justice, or womens studies. Keckleys authentic voice and incisive observations provide invaluable insights into the complexities of race and class while challenging traditional narratives. This work invites readers to engage deeply with an essential perspective often omitted from historical discourse.

Elizabeth Keckley criou vestidos esplêndidos para a primeira-dama americana, Mary Todd Lincoln. Modista procurada pela elite da capital norte-americana, tornou-se uma bem-sucedida mulher de negócios

Esta extraordinaria historia fue publicada en abril de 1868 –tres años después del asesinato del presidente Lincoln– y se proyecta en múltiples campos, puesto que, además de ser una autobiografía de

Treinta años de esclavitud y cuatro en la Casa Blanca (Entre bastidores) de Elizabeth Keckley es un libro extraordinario por dos razones principales: por la trascendencia de los hechos que relata, sucedidos en un momento crucial de la historia norteamericana del siglo xix, y por la novedad de la voz narrativa que los cuenta, una mujer que se proclama en la pagina misma del titulo esclava en el pasado, pero desde hace unos años modista y amiga de la señora de Abraham Lincoln. Publicado en abril de 1868, es decir, tres años despues del asesinato de Lincoln, el volumen se propone desvelar informacion confidencial sobre la realidad de la familia del presidente mas famoso de la historia de los Estados Unidos. Sin embargo, el libro de Keckley se proyecta en multiples campos, puesto que, a la vez que una autobiografia de la propia autora, la exesclava Elizabeth Keckley, es una biografia aparentemente reparadora de la dañada reputacion de Mary Todd Lincoln, una memoria de la Guerra Civil desde el centro neuralgico de la Casa Blanca, y una biografia de la vida privada y familiar del presidente Lincoln dentro de ese espacio domestico y politico. Ahora bien, la novedad e importancia de la obra radica mas que en el momento historico en el que se situa y en los personajes de los que habla, en el de que quien cuenta la historia, puesto que Keckley, una negra exesclava, se encontraba por razones de raza y de genero politica y socialmente excluida del propio discurso que utiliza. No es extraño, pues, que la recepcion del libro fuese negativa y que la autora acabase siendo censurada tanto por blancos como por afroamericanos.

In Elizabeth Keckleys Behind the Scenes: 30 Years a Slave & 4 Years in the White House, readers are given a rare glimpse into the life of a former slave who rose to become a trusted confidante of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. Keckleys memoir is a poignant and intimate portrayal of the struggles she faced as a slave, her eventual freedom, and the challenges she encountered while working in the White House. Written in a straightforward and heartfelt manner, the book provides insight into the complexities of race, gender, and power dynamics in 19th-century America. Keckleys detailed descriptions offer a vivid picture of the era, making it a valuable resource for historians and literature enthusiasts alike. Elizabeth Keckleys personal experiences as a slave turned successful seamstress and society figure likely influenced her decision to write Behind the Scenes. As an African American woman who navigated both the horrors of slavery and the halls of power in Washington, D.C., Keckleys unique perspective adds depth and authenticity to her narrative. Her courage and resilience shine through in every page, inspiring readers to reflect on the enduring legacy of slavery in American history. I highly recommend Behind the Scenes to readers interested in exploring the untold stories of African American women in the 19th century and gaining a deeper understanding of the social and political climate of the time. Keckleys memoir is a compelling and essential work that sheds light on a forgotten chapter of American history and highlights the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

"Behind the Scenes" is both a slave narrative and a portrait of the First Family, especially Mary Todd Lincoln, and is considered controversial for breaking privacy about them. It was also her claim as a businesswoman to be part of the new mixed-race, middle-class that was visible among the leadership of the black community.Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley (1818 1907) was a former slave who became a successful seamstress, civil activist, and author in Washington, DC. She was best known as the personal modiste and confidante of Mary Todd Lincoln, the First Lady. She created an independent business in the capital based on clients who were the wives of the government elite. Among them were Varina Davis, wife of Jefferson Davis; and Mary Anna Custis Lee, wife of Robert E. Lee.Where I Was BornGirlhood and Its SorrowsHow I Gained My FreedomIn the Family of Senator Jefferson DavisMy Introduction to Mrs. LincolnWillie Lincolns Death-bedWashington in 1862-3Candid OpinionsBehind the ScenesThe Second InaugurationThe Assassination of President LincolnMrs. Lincoln Leaves the White HouseThe Origin of the Rivalry Between Mr. Douglas and Mr. LincolnOld FriendsThe Secret History of Mrs. Lincolns Wardrobe in New York

This carefully crafted ebook: "BEHIND THE SCENES 30 Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House" is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents. Behind the Scenes (1868) is both a slave narrative and a portrait of the First Family of America, especially of Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of Abraham Lincoln. After the assassination of President Lincoln, Elizabeth Keckley the former slave turned confidant and dress maker of Mrs. Lincoln took it upon herself to provide financial support to her by writing this slave narrative. But in spite of Keckleys good intentions the publication of her life story spelled doom for her own career and her friendship with the Lincolns to an extent that all efforts were made to suppress and falsify it. Yet this book has survived all odds and has now become an important document on Anti-Slavery and the Lincolns. A must read for anyone who is interested in American History!Elizabeth Keckley (1818-1907) was a former slave who became a successful dressmaker, civil rights activist, and author in Washington, DC. Her relationship with Mary T. Lincoln was notable for its personal quality and intimacy. Besides, Keckley was also deeply committed to programs of racial improvement and protection. She helped in founding the Home for Destitute Women and Children and taught at Wilberforce University in Ohio.

Esta extraordinaria historia fue publicada en abril de 1868 -tres años despues del asesinato del presidente Lincoln- y se proyecta en múltiples campos, puesto que, además de ser una autobiografía de la propia autora, Elizabeth Keckley, es una biografia aparentemente reparadora de la dañada reputacion de Mary Todd Lincoln, una memoria de la Guerra Civil desde el centro neuralgico de la Casa Blanca y una biografia de la vida privada y familiar de Lincoln dentro de ese espacio domestico y politico. Ahora bien, la novedad y la importancia de la obra radican en la voz que cuenta la historia, puesto que Keckley, una antigua esclava negra, se encontraba por razones de raza y de genero excluida politica y socialmente del propio discurso que utiliza. No es extraño, pues, que la recepcion del libro fuese negativa y pocos meses despues de su publicacion apareciera un panfleto satirico, 'Entre costuras, por una negra que cosio para la señora Lincoln y la señora Davis', que reproduce muchos de los acontecimientos que cuenta Keckley, pero ahora distorsionados por un exacerbado racismo.