76

(SLAVERY AND ABOLITION.) [ANON.] The Kidnapped Clergyman; or Experience the Best Teacher.

(SLAVERY AND ABOLITION.) [ANON.] The Kidnapped Clergyman; or Experience the Best Teacher. 123 pages. 12mo, original cloth-backed drab gray boards with printed label on the upper cover; some light staining and foxing; text-block partially separated from the spine; tips rubbed; early bookplate; a better than-average copy. Boston: Dow and Jackson, 1839

  • Notes: a rare early anti-slavery play. The Kidnapped Clergyman is thought by some scholars to have been the model for William Wells Brown's first play; "Experience, or How to Give a Northern Man a Backbone." [1856]. The author's Preface explains that it is virtually impossible to comprehend the suffering of the slave, and proceeds to tell the story of a well-meaning clergyman, who having just delivered a sermon is quite satisfied with it and himself, and even more so for having given a poor child five dollars to take to a sick woman. But now a series of strangers enter into his house and at first praise him for his sermon and good intentions: a London bookseller, discusses plans to print hundreds of thousands of copies of his sermon, another is a doctor sent by Queen Victoria herself! Finally, five men roughly enter the house and proceed to beat, handcuff and kidnap the clergyman. One of them whispers to the poor cleric, "say 'don't master don't,' say it or I'll cut you to pieces." They seize his wife and children as well, and sell them all to a planter. There follow scenes of humiliation and torment. In the last scene, the minister awakes; of course, it was all a dream. One of the most unusual anti-slavery works. Sabin, 37719.
  • Condition: All items are offered for sale subject to Swann Galleries' standard terms and conditions of sale, which are published in our catalogues.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

March 10, 2011 10:30 AM EST
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 23% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000