"Williams's narrative contributes a distinctive dimension to our understanding of the development of 'Black Atlantic' writing. His is a rare account of a slave's transition to freedom under the conditions of the British emancipation program in Jamaica. The rich historical and social texture provided by Paton enhances this striking narrative's import."--William L. Andrews, coeditor of "The Civitas Anthology of African American Slave Narratives
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"This is simply a fabulous compilation of materials. Paton carefully addresses an impressive range of historical and literary contexts that allow the contemporary reader to fully appreciate the importance of Williams's narrative."--Sandra Gunning, author of "Race, Rape, and Lynching: The Red Record of American Literature, 1890-1912
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