Behind the Scenes

by Elizabeth Keckley

Behind the Scenes Or, Thirty Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House is an autobiographical narrative by Elizabeth Keckley. In it she tells the story of her life as a slave and her time as a seamstress for Mrs. Lincoln in the White House.

Source: Keckley, E. (1868) Behind the Scenes London, England: Partridge and Oakey

Preface: A preface by the author, giving some background about the book and her own life.
Chapter 1: Where I Was Born: The author discusses the place of her birth and her memories of her parents.
Chapter 2: Girlhood and its Sorrows: Elizabeth goes to live with her master's eldest son.
Chapter 3: How I Gained My Freedom: Elizabeth is given the opportunity to purchase the freedom of herself and her son.
Chapter 4: In the Family of Senator Jefferson Davis: Elizabeth goes to work for the Davis family as a free woman.
Chapter 5: My Introduction to Mrs. Lincoln: Now in Washington D.C., Elizabeth is introduced to Mrs. Lincoln.
Chapter 6: Willie Lincoln's Death-bed: Elizabeth is once again called to work at the White House. Willie Lincoln's health continues to worsen.
Chapter 7: Washington in 1862-1863: As the Civil War continues to escalate, the members of the Lincoln family begin to feel the strain of the conflict. Willie's death continues to affect Mrs. Lincoln.
Chapter 8: Candid Opinions: While working in the White House, Elizabeth overhears the private conversations of the President and Mrs. Lincoln.
Chapter 9: Behind the Scenes: Elizabeth describes her interactions with new freedmen and freedwomen in the White House. Mrs. Lincoln's debts continue to grow.
Chapter 10: The Second Inauguration: Mrs. Lincoln pays a visit to Elizabeth regarding a dress for the President's inauguration.
Chapter 11: The Assassination of President Lincoln: Elizabeth receives bad news regarding the President and his cabinet.
Chapter 12: Mrs. Lincoln leaves the White House Behind the Scenes: Following the death of President Lincoln, Mrs. Lincoln prepares to leave the White House. Elizabeth's business continues to prosper.
Chapter 13: The Origin of the Rivalry between Mr. Douglas and Mr. Lincoln: Elizabeth recounts Mr. Douglas' attempted courting of Miss Mary Todd.
Chapter 14: Old Friends: Elizabeth reminisces about Mrs. Anne Garland and her family.
Chapter 15: The Secret History of Mrs. Lincoln's Wardrobe in New York: Mrs. Lincoln's debts force her to part with some of her wardrobe.
Appendix—Letters from Mrs. Lincoln to Mrs. Keckley: Various correspondence between Mrs. Lincoln and Elizabeth.

Year Published: 1868

Language: English

Country of Origin: United States of America

Readability:

Flesch–Kincaid Level: 7.4

Word Count: 60,930

Genre: Memoir

Keywords: 19th century literature, african american literature, american history, american literature, autobiography, behind the scenes, biography

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