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Master Slave Husband Wife

An epic journey from slavery to freedom - WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR BIOGRAPHY

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Master Slave Husband Wife

By: Ilyon Woo
Narrated by: Janina Edwards, Leon Nixon
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A NEW YORK TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR


A New York Times bestseller, the incredible true story of a couple that escaped slavery in the South and eventually made their way to the UK, Africa and beyond.

The remarkable true story of Ellen and William Craft, who escaped slavery through daring, determination, and disguise, with Ellen passing as a wealthy, disabled White man and William posing as "his" slave.

In 1848, a year of international democratic revolt, a young, enslaved couple, Ellen and William Craft, achieved one of the boldest feats of self-emancipation in history. Posing as master and slave, while sustained by their love as husband and wife, they made their escape together across more than 1,000 miles, riding steamboats, carriages, and trains that took them from bondage in Georgia to the free states of the North.

Along the way, they dodged slave traders, military officers, and even friends of their enslavers, who might have revealed their true identities. The tale of their adventure soon made them celebrities, and generated headlines around the country. Audiences could not get enough of this charismatic young couple, who travelled the country drawing thunderous applause as they spoke alongside some of the greatest abolitionists of the day.

But even then, they were not out of danger. With the passage of an infamous new Fugitive Slave Act in 1850, all Americans became accountable for returning refugees like the Crafts to slavery. Then yet another adventure began, as the Crafts fled to England to embark upon a new life.

With three epic journeys compressed into one monumental bid for freedom, Master Slave Husband Wife recounts both a ground-breaking quest for liberty and justice, and an unforgettable love story. Americas Black & African American Historical United States Marriage Freedom
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Critic reviews

Phenomenal (Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, author of The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois)
Ellen and William Craft loved each other, but also loved freedom, and knew one was impossible without the other ... we readers gasp in amazement and wonder at the tragedy and triumph. (Marlon James, winner of The Booker Prize)
A suspenseful, sensitively rendered account . . . Woo tells the story [with] a cinematic eye. (W. Caleb McDaniel)
Superbly researched and masterfully written.
A gripping adventure. . . . suspenseful and wonderfully told.
All stars
Most relevant
Ilyan Woo’s outstanding and extremely comprehensive research has made this a tour de force. It has been a privilege to learn about the Krafts and their amazing journey and endeavours. Very well narrated too!

Outstanding

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This was a superb historical book. Very thought-provoking. I liked that where there are gaps in the historical information the author said that rather than just filling in the blanks with guesswork. I would highly recommend it.

A “must read” book

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Opened my eyes to history of slavery. I will be reading more books about it.
How sad to think some people are above the others because of the colour of their skin.

Bitter Sweet

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