"Negro Slavery": A Poem, 1831

Catholic Magazine African American Literature

Ephemera and pamphlets

[African American] "Negro Slavery": A Poem: An Original Article from the Catholic Magazine. London, 1831. 4 pages of an original article separated from the volume. Measures 5.5" x 8.5". The article titled "Poetry", opens with an excerpt of speech made at a meeting for the Anti-Slavery Society by "Mr. Shiel". The speech reads, in part, "If the sceptic enquires of me, why I feel sensation for the Trans-Atlantic Slave, I answer him...'I am a man; and in every thing concerning man'...Can we then be afraid of combining, in glorious energy, for the relief of those, who are in so sad of a condition". The featured poem, "Negro Slavery" reveals the horrors in the lives of enslaved persons, often utilizing irony to illuminate this topic. The unknown author opens the poem with a stark juxtaposition, noting that the sun "flings o'er the world all the raptures of light--But, oh! what of rapture, of bliss, or of peace, Can it bring to the slave? Do his agonies cease? Nor darkness, nor light, can e'ere solace his pain". A true demonstration of empathy, the poet urges the reader to comprehend the atrocities that plague the lives of enslaved persons. Pages are loose with pin size holes on left margin as they were removed from a larger volume. Very good condition overall.

Item #19668

Price: $225.00