02570cam a22003613u 4500 24968 UtSlPG 20260610133554.0 m cr n 260607r2008||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 CT E456 Keckley, Elizabeth, 1818-1907 Behind the Scenes; or, Thirty years a slave, and Four Years in the White House Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2008 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2008-03-31 Produced by Suzanne Shell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net "Behind the Scenes; or, Thirty Years a Slave, and Four Years in the White House" by Elizabeth Keckley is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The narrative revolves around Keckley's life story, detailing her experiences as a former slave and her subsequent years of work as a modiste (dressmaker) and confidante for Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of President Abraham Lincoln. This account provides insight into the complexities of slavery, the personal trials and tribulations Keckley faced, and her view of significant historical events during her time in the White House. The opening of the book reveals Elizabeth Keckley's reflections on her life as a slave in Virginia, describing her childhood, the separation from her family, and the cruel realities of her situation. She recalls pivotal moments that shaped her character, including the harsh treatment she endured and the love she had for her parents. Keckley articulates her journey to freedom, detailing her determination to escape the bonds of slavery and ultimately purchase her own freedom and that of her son. Through her candid narratives, Keckley sets the stage for her eventual connection with Mrs. Lincoln and her unique perspective on life in the White House as the Civil War unfolds. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 Slavery -- United States Lincoln, Mary Todd, 1818-1882 Keckley, Elizabeth, approximately 1818-1907 Enslaved women -- United States -- Biography African American women -- Biography https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/24968 65969 65969