Publisher's Synopsis
Shadow and Light: An Autobiography with Reminiscences of the Last and Present Century is a book written by Mifflin Wistar Gibbs, an African American who was born in Philadelphia in 1823. The book is an autobiography that covers Gibbs' life from his childhood to his career as a businessman, politician, and civil rights activist. Gibbs was a prominent figure in the fight for civil rights in the United States during the 19th century. He was one of the first African Americans to hold public office in the country, serving as a city councilman in San Francisco, California, and later as a consul to Madagascar. In Shadow and Light, Gibbs shares his experiences growing up in a free black community in Philadelphia, his journey to California during the Gold Rush, and his involvement in the abolitionist movement. He also discusses his work as a businessman, including his founding of the first black-owned bank in California. Throughout the book, Gibbs reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his life, as well as the broader struggles of African Americans during his time. He discusses the impact of slavery, the Civil War, and Reconstruction on black communities, and offers insights into the political and social climate of the era. Overall, Shadow and Light is a fascinating and insightful look into the life of a pioneering African American figure. Gibbs' voice is powerful and engaging, and his story offers a unique perspective on American history.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.