The narrative of Reverend Peter Randolph, one of 83 slaves on the Virginia estate of Carter H. Edloe. First published as The Sketch of a Slave Life in 1855 at 40 pages, and a second edition was published later that year at 82 pages. Earle published two of the earliest novels by African-American women: Emma D. Kelley’s Megda, and Frances E. W. Harper’s Iola Leroy, although modern research has shown that Emma D. Kelley was either white or identified herself as white.

Octavo, 220 pages. In Very Good condition. Bound in publisher's original pictorial olive cloth with sepia inset of a slave cabin on the front cover and spine with gilt block and olive titling. Mild rubbing to edges. Floral end paper, pulp paper heavily toned, as usual, but not brittle. Frontispiece of the author. Shelved in Case 1.