Critical Compendium » Mr. and Mrs. Prince, by Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina, researched with Anthony Gerzina

Mr. and Mrs. Prince, by Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina, researched with Anthony Gerzina

“Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina went looking for an African-American Yankee with a royal name, locally famous for performing ballads and arguing for her rights in court. In the case of Lucy Terry Prince, the recoverable truth is limited, but it still has more drama than the sketchy legend. The story starts with Prince’s husband, Abijah, born in 1706 and slave to several masters in New England, including an ancestor of the author. Abijah took advantage of several moves and military service: by the age of 45 he had negotiated, and probably bought, his freedom. Passing regularly through the frontier crossroads of Deerfield, Mass., he noticed Lucy, a veteran of the Middle Passage, who recited to customers at her owner’s tavern the only poem of hers that has survived.” Read the review at the New York Times.

Filed under: History, Nonfiction | Posted 02.27.08 | Comments:

Able Prince and Thomas Little were residents of West Windsor VT and served in the MA 54th. I have been trying to attend one of GHG’s VT Humanities presentations, but weather has not cooperated. The West Windsor Historical Society would be interested in communicating with GHG about being the presenter at the Society’s Annual Dinner. I have offered to try to contact GHG but, so far have been unsuccessful via VT Humanities. My email is above. I am hoping this works. K. Carriere Chair of the 1777 Republic of VT. Committee

Comment by Kathleen Carriere — March 15, 2008 @ 5:55 am

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