Aunt Phillis's Cabin; Or, Southern Life as It Is

Published in 1852, 'Aunt Phillis's Cabin; Or, Southern Life as It Is' by Mary H. Eastman is a didactic novel that examines slavery and Southern life through the experiences of the Weston family and their enslaved servants. The narrative contrasts the perceived happiness of the enslaved individuals with the harsh realities of their lives, particularly through characters like Aunt Peggy and Bacchus. Often referred to as the most read 'anti-Tom' book in American literature, it offers a critical perspective on the institution of slavery and its societal implications in the antebellum South.