Uncle Tom's Cabin : Indictment of Slavery

Children's Literature

Written for the inquisitive and thoughtful student, this entry in the "Words That Changed History" series examines the impact of Stowe's novel about slavery in 19th century America. There is a brief history of slavery in the United States and a description of the philosophy and opinions regarding slavery at the time of the novel's publication. There is background about Stowe and her family that gives perspective to her strong abolitionist stand. The novel is fully critiqued by supporters and detractors alike, and a lengthy excerpt from Uncle Tom's Cabin is included. Using primary and secondary sources to substantiate the text as well as quotations from Stowe's contemporaries and later historians, the author has documented his work well. The format, with its narrow margins and dense text is off-putting, and may only appeal to the reader serious about history and/or literature. 2000, Lucent Books, $23.70. Ages 14 up. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey