Behind the Scenes: or, Thirty Years a Slave, and Four Years in the White House (Penguin Classics) by Elizabeth Keckley

Originally published in 1868?hen it was attacked as an ?ndecent book?authored by a ?raitorous eavesdropper?Behind the Scenesis the story of Elizabeth Keckley, who began her life as a slave and became a privileged witness to the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. Keckley bought her freedom at the age of thirty-seven and set up a successful dressmaking business in Washington, D.C. She became modiste to Mary Todd Lincoln and in time her friend and confidante, a relationship that continued after Lincoln? assassination. In documenting that friendship?ften using the First Lady? own letters?ehind the Scenesfuses the slave narrative with the political memoir. It remains extraordinary for its poignancy, candor, and historical perspective.

Author: Elizabeth Keckley

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

Pages: 192

Publisher: Penguin Classics

Publication Date: 2005-07-26