Rambles of a Runaway from Southern Slavery

Henry Goings, a barber and steamboat operator, was born into slavery in Virginia in 1810. After he procured the freedom papers of a man he resembled, Goings lived as a fugitive from slavery for 18 years, traveling through the South, the Great Lakes region, and Canada. In this narrative, he relates his travels and his attempt to rescue his wife from slavery. His comments on the Civil War, African American national destiny, and the beginnings of Reconstruction amount to a political manifesto. An introduction by the editor gives more detail on Goings's life and the relatively recent discovery of his book. Editor Schermerhorn (history, Arizona State U.) notes that, unlike many slave narratives, Goings wrote the book himself rather than dictating it; he probably paid to print it as well. The book includes a chronology from 1810 to 1870 and appendices of b&w maps, interviews, and documents. Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Calvin Schermerhorn is Assistant Professor of History at Arizona State University. Michael Plunkett is former Director of the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library at the University of Virginia. He is the author ofAfro-American Sources in Virginia: A Guide to Manuscripts. Edward Gaynor is Head of Collection Development and Description at the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library at the University of Virginia.