Diddie, Dumps and Tot

By Louise-Clarke Pyrnelle

Book Overview

Diddie, Dumps, and Tot were the love names of three young sisters who grew up on a plantation in the nineteenth century prior to the Civil War. Written more than a hundred years ago and based upon the childhood experiences of the author, this volume has preserved for today's generation the legends, games, hymns, superstitions, and inspirational stories that bound black families together during the tragic days slavery. The girls' spontaneous adventures, the gaiety of their outlook, and the selflessness with which they approach life all combine to make this a classic story of American childhood.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0911116176
• ISBN13: 9780911116175
• Release Date: January 1963
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.9" x 6.8"
• Age Range: 9 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 4 and higher

Customer Reviews

An interesting look into the past

I read this book as a child (50-some years ago). It was in my grandmother's house and had belonged to my mother. I remembered it very fondly, and I was totally shocked to see that it's still available in print. It is definitely NOT what would be considered "politically correct" in this day and age, first and foremost because it does not depict slavery as a horrible evil. It is, in fact, the complete opposite of "Uncle Tom's Cabin." The story revolves around the three little daughters of a plantation owner in 1850s Mississippi and their adventures amongst and with the plantation folk. It's written in the vernacular of the Negroes who lived and worked on the plantation and is such that a story written like this today (rather than in 1882) would never be published. It gives a glimpse of days gone by, days that will never be repeated. I enjoyed the story just as much now as I did when I was a little girl.

Diddie, Dumps and Tot

An interesting look at life from the slaveowners perspective with information on customs, songs and etiquette. Underplays the tragedy of owning slaves, but gives insight to the minds of the plantation owners.