The History of Mary Prince, a West Indian Slave

About the book

Mary Prince recounts an early life in Bermuda followed by sale, forced labour, and movement between households and islands. Family separation and the demands placed on her body make the institution's violence present through particular experiences rather than distant description. Her journey to England brings another set of difficulties around freedom, livelihood, and the possibility of returning to people she loves. The narrative was related orally and prepared for publication within an abolitionist setting, a process made visible by the editorial material accompanying it. This edition also includes a supplement and the account of Asa-Asa. Prince's testimony gives sustained attention to work, illness, attachment, and endurance, asking readers to recognise the authority of a person whose opportunities to speak and act had repeatedly been constrained.

• Enslavement and freedom
• Voice
• Family separation

Why read it

For a powerful personal testimony whose attention to labour and family exposes the lived consequences of enslavement.

Related autobiographical narrative · with supplement and Asa-Asa account