American slave narratives are a unique and fascinating historical resource. Although, the narratives have their contextual limitations-they are an invaluable primary source that allows one to gain insight pertaining to slaves from their own perspective.

Female Slave Narratives is the product of the author’s interest in the institution of slavery in all its facets. The narratives and interviews contained in this volume were selected based on a specific set of variables and criteria. It is the intent of the author to present narratives that documented slave life, folklore, the Civil War, and Emancipation. In addition, the author has given special attention to include female slaves who were house slave and field workers. These subjects were chosen in an attempt to give the readers historical and social context of slavery in America. Moreover, we have chosen to include female narratives from a variety of states

Another interesting facet of the narratives is that some of them actually include the former slave’s residential address. It is a unique experience to see these places today. Obviously, the slave homes are most likely a casualty of time and progress. Nonetheless, some of the geographic locales still use the same addresses and street names, which allow those who are interested to note how the areas have changed over time.