African American Literature Early Twentieth Century Historical Novel Reframing Post Civil War Black History in "Historical Romance of the American Negro" ,1902

Charles Fowler

First Edition

Fowler, Charles. Historical Romance of the American Negro (1902) presents an early twentieth century literary interpretation of African American life in the decades following the Civil War through the fictional narrative of Beulah Jackson and her family. The novel combines storytelling with historical commentary to challenge prevailing white dominated interpretations of Black history and to present African American experiences of Reconstruction and its aftermath through a sympathetic narrative lens. Fowler draws on historical knowledge and documentary material to construct a narrative that situates the struggles and aspirations of African Americans within the broader transformation of American society after emancipation.

Fowler, Charles. Historical Romance of the American Negro. Baltimore: Press of Thomas & Evans, 1902. First edition. Illustrated. The volume includes numerous illustrations incorporating historical prints and photographs that accompany the narrative text. The work concludes with a nonfiction letter by President Theodore Roosevelt addressing the issue of African American participation in public office under the title “Color is No Bar to Office,” in which Roosevelt states that qualified African Americans should be appointed to government positions. Provenance includes institutional ownership from Morgan College in Baltimore, an historically African American institution, and an earlier ownership signature reading “Beatrice Hurt.”

African American historical fiction and narrative writing at the turn of the twentieth century often sought to contest dominant historical interpretations that minimized or distorted Black experiences during Reconstruction and the post emancipation era. Works such as Fowler’s novel contributed to a growing body of African American literary and historical writing that attempted to document Black achievement and political participation during a period when segregation and disenfranchisement were becoming entrenched across much of the United States. One volume, 269 pages, illustrated with historical prints and photographs. Publisher’s maroon cloth boards with gilt spine title. Front blank endpaper lacking; otherwise complete with all plates present. Light wear along the fore edge and spine from use while the text block remains firm. Overall condition good to very good.

Item #19673

Price: $880.00