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About This Book
The Woman of Colour
ISBN: 9781551111766
About the Book
"The Woman of Colour" is a unique and powerful literary account of a black heiress' life immediately after the abolition of the British slave trade. Written in an epistolary format, the book follows Olivia Fairfield, a biracial heroine and orphaned daughter of a slaveholder, as she navigates her way from Jamaica to England. Olivia must decide between marrying her Caucasian first cousin or becoming dependent on her mercenary elder brother and sister-in-law, as stipulated by her father's will.
The narrative is filled with Olivia's letters, which provide scathing descriptions of London, Bristol, and the British. The book also offers progressive critiques of race, racism, and slavery. The story follows Olivia's life from the heights of her arranged marriage to its swift descent into annulment and destitution, only to culminate in her resurrection as a self-proclaimed “widow†who flouts the conventional marriage plot.
Who Uses It?
Primarily, this book is used by students and educators in courses focusing on 18th-century literature, African diasporic studies, and feminist literature. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the historical context of slavery and its impact on individuals and society.
History and Editions
The book was first published on October 24, 2007, by Broadview Press. The modern edition, edited by Lyndon J. Dominique, includes many further readings and firsthand sources such as actual wills of Jamaican planters, letters, and travelogues. This edition provides a comprehensive look at the period and how "The Woman of Colour" intersects with the abolition movement, the early feminist movement, and current events at the time of its publication.
Author and Other Works
The book is edited by Lyndon J. Dominique, who has curated a collection of historical documents and contemporary reviews to enhance the reader's understanding of the novel. While the original author of the novel is anonymous, Lyndon J. Dominique's work in editing and contextualizing the text makes it a significant contribution to literary studies.
Detailed Information
ISBNs and Formats
- Hardcover: ISBN-13: 9781551111766
- eBook: ISBN-13: 9781551111766 (Note: This ISBN may be available in various digital formats)
- Paperback: ISBN-10: 1551111764, ISBN-13: 9781551111766
Publication Details
- Publisher: Broadview Press
- Publication Date: October 24, 2007
- Number of Pages: 225
- Language: English
- Item Weight: 0.75 pounds
- Dimensions: 5.50" wide x 8.25" long x 0.75" tall
Other Editions and Formats
- Paperback Edition: Available through various retailers
- Related ISBNs:
- 1551111764 (Paperback)
- 9781551111766 (Hardcover and eBook)
Appendices and Additional Resources
The book includes appendices with contemporary reviews of the novel, historical documents on race and inheritance in Jamaica, and examples of other women of colour in early British prose fiction. These resources further inspire readers to rethink issues of race, gender, class, and empire from an African woman’s perspective.
