Dred

By Harriet Beecher Stowe

Book Overview

Harriet Beecher Stowe, the acclaimed author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," returns with "Dred: A Tale of the Great Dismal Swamp," a powerful novel exploring the complexities of slavery and the pursuit of social justice in the 19th century. Set against the backdrop of plantation life and the evocative landscape of the Dismal Swamp, this historical fiction delves into the lives and struggles of those caught in the web of abolitionist sentiment and the brutal realities of the era.

"Dred" offers a compelling narrative that examines the moral and societal issues surrounding slavery. Stowe's literary prowess brings to life a story that resonates with enduring themes of freedom, oppression, and the human spirit's unwavering quest for equality. This meticulously prepared edition preserves the original text, ensuring an authentic reading experience for those interested in African American & Black literature, historical fiction, and classic literary works. Experience the timeless story of "Dred" and its powerful exploration of a pivotal period in American history.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1023440121
• ISBN13: 9781023440127
• Release Date: March 2025
• Publisher: Anson Street Press
• Length: 512 Pages
• Weight: 1.96 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

WOW!!!!

I am shocked at how many of the "modern" views were actually in writing over an hundred years before I became acquainted with them. A great bit of liberal understanding. She presents the arguments pro and con about slavery.

Dred; a Tale of the Great Dismal Swamp

I just read that Harriet Beecher Stowe's second book was as popular as her first, so I wanted my book club to read it as one of the selections for the coming year. But, the price of the book was quite prohibitive and I will have to choose another book for my selection. I am happy to have it in my book collection though.

The conflict between the races is cleverly demonstrated in this novel.

A Tale Of The Great Dismal Swamp is the story of Nina Gordo the mistress of a slave plantation and Dred a black revolutionary. Stowe demonstrates the differing attitude concerning slavery. Many slaves escaped to the swamp. They would find a high ground area and hide. Harriet Beecher Stowe is well known as the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Unfortunately Dred was not well recognized, for Dred is a much stronger worker of art. Both novels' theme was antislavery. Stowe allowed the scenes of Dred to speak for themselves. Dred is a black revolutionary. The other lead character is the mistress of the slave plantation. The conflict between the races is cleverly demonstrated in this novel.

The other book by Harriet Beecher Stowe

While Uncle Tom's Cabin will likely remain Harriet Beecher Stowe's best known work, her 1856 novel Dred should not be overlooked. If you like this time period, you should like Dred. Stowe avoids the heavy-handed authorial commentary that characterizes Uncle Tom's Cabin; in other words, she lets the events of the story speak for themselves. The story is slow-burning plantation drama--again, if you're a fan of 19th century literature, you'll love Dred. Dred compares favorably to Moby-Dick, as both novels turn on gradual plots where the reader's bond to the characters becomes crucial. Because the plot takes awhile to develop, the true reward of the novel comes from watching the characters grow and evolve. This edition features an introduction and notes by Robert Levine, which do a great job of placing Stowe's work in a historical context. Dred should appeal to students of 19th century literature, and anyone else with an interest in slavery and abolition.

Right On, Harriet

A compelling and highly readable indictment of slavery in America, "Dred" takes risks that "Uncle Tom's Cabin" did not. The ending of "Dred" is powerful and strong, unlike that of "Uncle Tom", which seemed to advocate ultimately that the slaves should be freed and encourged to return to Africa. Harriet Beecher Stowe is just as sharp in her criticism of the North and she is to the South. She is quick to condemn the passive profiteers of slavery as she is the slaveholder himself. I throughly enjoyed this book. I will read it a secod time.