Behind the Scenes; or, Thirty Years a Slave, and Four Years in the White House (AmazonClassics Edition)

By: Elizabeth Keckley

Narrated by: Robin Eller

Born into bondage in 1818, Elizabeth Keckley was able to purchase her freedom only after years of saving. She then went on to build a thriving business as a seamstress, eventually becoming modiste to Mary Todd Lincoln herself. In this dressmaking role, Keckley was a close confidante of Mary Todd, and her 1868 memoir recounted her incredible rise while also providing revelatory insights into everyday life among the Lincolns. The public response was utter shock at the perceived violation of privacy, but today, Keckley’s memoir has a special place in American political history as a poignant reflection on the First Family and a substantial record of the White House during the Civil War.

Revised edition: Previously published as Behind the Scenes or, Thirty Years a Slave, and Four Years in the White House, this edition of Behind the Scenes; or, Thirty Years a Slave, and Four Years in the White House (AmazonClassics Edition) includes editorial revisions.

Public Domain (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Bravo

Written with compassion and kindness. The reader has the perfect voice pitch, was easy to understand her.

You must read Elizabeth Keckly’s story

Elizabeth Keckley tells her story with deep sensitivity and spirituality. She became the stable rock for Mary, Todd, Lincoln, emotionally, shattered, and miserable.
Hey, I could not put this down. Elizabeth Keckley becomes a real saint dealing with the mentally challenged persona of the former First Lady. This is a must read.! I thought the actress portraying Mrs. Kackley was incredibly talented and full of nuance and heart.