Frances Harper

Frances Harper, also known as Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, was a prominent African-American abolitionist, suffragist, poet, teacher, public speaker, and writer. Born on September 24, 1825, in Baltimore, Maryland, she was a notable figure in the fight for civil rights and women's rights. Harper published several books of poetry and is famous for her novel 'Iola Leroy', one of the first novels published by an African-American woman. She was also active in various social reform movements, including the Underground Railroad. Harper passed away on February 22, 1911.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Iola Leroy

    The novel follows the life of Iola Leroy, a woman of mixed race who lives initially unaware of her African American heritage due to her light skin. After her family's secret is exposed and they are sold into slavery during the American Civil War, Iola embraces her identity and becomes an advocate for African American rights. The story delves into themes of racial identity, the brutality of slavery, and the struggle for emancipation. As Iola navigates the complexities of post-war society, she dedicates herself to improving the lives of her people through education, social work, and the fight for equality, embodying the resilience and hope of a nation seeking to heal from its divided past.

    The 4904th Greatest Book of All Time