Photo: Lewis Clarke, African American Writer And Escaped Slave, Sept 20, 1888
Item History & Price
Photo: Lewis Clarke, Writer and Escaped Slave, Taken September 20, 1888, in Very Good+ condition. This photo is a museum piece. Its subject, Lewis Clarke, was born into slavery in 1815, in Madison County KY. He became well known as a highly regarded abolitionist, and, as such, was invited to deliver keynote remarks at the founding convention of the national Republican Party, (held in Jackson MI, in July 1854). He was also broadly know as author of his book, "Narrative of the Sufferings... of Lewis Clarke: During Captivity of More Than Twenty-Five Years, Among the Algerines of Kentucky, One of the So-Called Christian States of North America, Dictated by Himself" which he wrote in 1845 after his escape. In his book, Clarke meditates on the effects of slavery on family relationships and the brutality of the entire system. He met Harriet Beecher Stowe while traveling and lecturing about his experiences and his book. Stowe was so intrigued with his life's story that she based the character, George Harris, in "Uncle Tom's Cabin" on Clarke's life. This Very Good+ photo, taken September 20, 1888, measures 4.25 x 6.5 inches. It was published by the New York Gallery on Gratiot Ave. in Detroit MI. Clarke lived another nine years after this photo was taken.
