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Twenty-Eight Years a Slave: or the Story of My Life in Three Continents: North America, Europe and Africa - An Autobiography
Thomas L. Johnson's remarkable life, wherein he was born into slavery before going on to a successful career as a minister and missionary, is told here in his own words.
Until the age of twenty-eight, Johnson lived under the yolk of his slave masters. As a servant he was subject to abuse for trivial matters, such as not knowing the difference between right and left. Sold on by his master whilst still a teenager, the author had already self-taught himself rudiments of literacy from letters and newspapers left around his master's house. Luckily, his new master's son was kind, and helped Johnson with vocabulary and letters. This knowledge helped Johnson keep aware of developments - the abolitionist movement, which sought freedom for all slaves, was of particular interest, as were the politics of Britain, which had already outlawed slavery.
Significantly, Thomas also became interested in religion, learning many words, expressions and lessons from the Bible. After emancipation, this knowledge spurred him on to join the priesthood. He travelled to New York, and soon discovered his natural talent for speaking. A black preacher so soon after emancipation was an unusual sight; it wasn't long before Johnson had made friends and began to contemplate further travels to spread God's word. Sure enough, his talents saw him permanently resettle in England, and embark upon travels even farther afield.-Print ed.
Until the age of twenty-eight, Johnson lived under the yolk of his slave masters. As a servant he was subject to abuse for trivial matters, such as not knowing the difference between right and left. Sold on by his master whilst still a teenager, the author had already self-taught himself rudiments of literacy from letters and newspapers left around his master's house. Luckily, his new master's son was kind, and helped Johnson with vocabulary and letters. This knowledge helped Johnson keep aware of developments - the abolitionist movement, which sought freedom for all slaves, was of particular interest, as were the politics of Britain, which had already outlawed slavery.
Significantly, Thomas also became interested in religion, learning many words, expressions and lessons from the Bible. After emancipation, this knowledge spurred him on to join the priesthood. He travelled to New York, and soon discovered his natural talent for speaking. A black preacher so soon after emancipation was an unusual sight; it wasn't long before Johnson had made friends and began to contemplate further travels to spread God's word. Sure enough, his talents saw him permanently resettle in England, and embark upon travels even farther afield.-Print ed.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2022
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May 25, 2026
“Twenty-Eight Years a Slave: or the Story of My Life in Three Continents is a deeply powerful, historically invaluable, and emotionally moving autobiography that offers firsthand insight into slavery, emancipation, faith, literacy, and personal transformation across multiple continents and cultures. Thomas L. Johnson’s life story is extraordinary not only because of the suffering and injustice he endured, but because of the remarkable resilience, intellect, and spiritual conviction that carried him beyond the confines of slavery into a life of education, ministry, and international influence. The memoir stands as both personal testimony and historical document, illuminating realities of enslavement while also tracing the possibilities of liberation, self-determination, and purpose.”
“What stood out most was Johnson’s unwavering pursuit of knowledge and dignity despite the brutal limitations imposed upon him. His determination to teach himself literacy from scraps of newspapers and discarded letters becomes a profoundly moving symbol of intellectual resistance and personal agency. The narrative also powerfully captures how education, religion, and public speaking became tools not only of self-transformation, but of social and spiritual leadership after emancipation. Johnson’s reflections on slavery, race, religion, and international travel provide a fascinating transatlantic perspective rarely found in nineteenth-century autobiographical writing. Particularly compelling is the way the memoir moves across North America, Europe, and Africa, revealing how Johnson’s identity evolved through each stage of his life while remaining anchored in faith and moral conviction. The prose carries both humility and emotional force, allowing the historical realities of slavery and liberation to emerge with clarity and authenticity. More than a historical narrative alone, Twenty-Eight Years a Slave is a testament to endurance, spiritual resilience, and the transformative power of literacy and human determination.”
“What stood out most was Johnson’s unwavering pursuit of knowledge and dignity despite the brutal limitations imposed upon him. His determination to teach himself literacy from scraps of newspapers and discarded letters becomes a profoundly moving symbol of intellectual resistance and personal agency. The narrative also powerfully captures how education, religion, and public speaking became tools not only of self-transformation, but of social and spiritual leadership after emancipation. Johnson’s reflections on slavery, race, religion, and international travel provide a fascinating transatlantic perspective rarely found in nineteenth-century autobiographical writing. Particularly compelling is the way the memoir moves across North America, Europe, and Africa, revealing how Johnson’s identity evolved through each stage of his life while remaining anchored in faith and moral conviction. The prose carries both humility and emotional force, allowing the historical realities of slavery and liberation to emerge with clarity and authenticity. More than a historical narrative alone, Twenty-Eight Years a Slave is a testament to endurance, spiritual resilience, and the transformative power of literacy and human determination.”
Displaying 1 of 1 review