1854 EX-SLAVE IN NEW YORK. Memoir of Pierre Toussaint, Haitian Slave to New York Hairdresser.

Very desirable memoir of Pierre Toussaint (1766-1853), born a slave in St. Domingue (now Haiti.) He fled during the 1797 Haitian slave revolts and obtained a bonded-apprenticeship in New York with one of the best hair-dressers in the city. When his owner died in 1803, Toussaint took care of his widow, and took over the business and greatly expanded, becoming one of the first successful black businessmen in the city. He was a significant philanthropist as well, founding multiple charities. His work, some of which continues to this day, let Pope John II to declare Toussaint to be "Venerable," thus placing him in line for sainthood. His remains were moved from a lower Manhattan churchyard to St. Patrick's Cathedral soon after.

Desirable at auction, often fetching in advance of its estimates. Also, many editions seem to have been issued without or be lacking the frontis with facsimile signature. It's not clear which, but the sheer number of those lacking makes us think some volumes were issued without Ours retains it.

Lee, Hannah. Memoir of Pierre Tousssaint, Born a Slave in St. Domingo. Boston. Crosby, Nichols, and Company. 1854. Second Edition. 124pp.

Good -, but very solid copy in original cloth, rubbed, 3/4 inch chip to head of spine. Structurally solid. Ex library remains of removal on front pastedown and ffep and rear pastedown. Thankfully, no ex library markings to the frontis, title, or text. Generally solid and clean with light scattered foxing.