In Mrs. Stowe's case, her book helped shine a huge light on the injustice of slavery in the United States.
One of 11 children, she had seven brothers and three sisters.
All of the brothers became ministers.
She was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, and her mother died when she was just five years old.
Her father, Lyman, was a Calvinist minister.
The home of which he was head was very progressive.
He encouraged his brood of children to be thinkers and movers.
He also condoned the education of girls which, in that time, was rarely encouraged.
Harriet first saw mistreatment of slaves when the family moved to Cincinnati.
She saw a baby wrenched from the arms of its mother and the scene disturbed her greatly.
She married her husband, Calvin, a professor of theology, and they had seven children.
She wrote "Uncle Tom's Cabin," which was translated into several languages, while her children were still growing up.
Actually, it was after one of her own young children died that she began writing the book.
She identified with the pain that slave mothers felt when their babies were taken from them.
From 1873 to 1896, Ms. Stowe's neighbor in Hartford was another well known American author, Mark Twain.
Hers was a retirement home in a very wealthy, prominent neighborhood.
She was more famous than Twain, having written 30 books.
Today, visitors can tour both Harriet Beecher Stowe's house, as well as Twain's. Both tours are quite fascinating.
We took a tour of the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center and house recently and our guide, Christina, was terrific and full of detailed information about the author.
There will be another post tomorrow showing photos of the bedroom, kitchen and more in Mrs. Stowe's home so, if interested, stay tuned.
ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH HARRIET BEECHER STOWE? HAVE YOU READ 'UNCLE TOM'S CABIN?'
9 comments:
She was an amazing woman. Love the photos of her home. xo Laura
Wonderful. I love touring old homes and learning about the personal lives of those who made history, who made a difference. I just watched the tail end of Miss Potter the other night, about Beatrix Potter -- goodness, it seemed her mother never wanted her to be happy.
Yes somewhat familiar and yes I have read it. Now she was a thinker - well before her time. A hero. And she had good support from her father. Amazing woman.
Such an informative post, Susan. Great photos and description of this lady and her work.
I love it thanks so much Susan for sharing I love to hear about history and it's even better when there is photos.. loved my visit sending hugs with love Janice
Wonderful insight into a great authour. I have heard the book, but not sure if I ever have read it, must now.
I just said to hubby some day I'd love to do a trip down your way...
... I read "Uncle Tom's cabin' at school many years ago...it opened our young minds to recognise injustice and cruelty... a powerful book.
I love the house,Susan.... so elegant...
Have a good day.... Barb xxx
Lovely to see! I wish I could have been there in person!!!
I am just watching a PBS special on Ken Burns Civil War epic and of course this author and her book are featured in it. I think your pictures are great and I would have loved to have gone to Hartford with you to see her home. I read that book many years ago.
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