Author: Sarah H. Bradford

Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811–1896), an American abolitionist and author, was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, to a prominent religious family. She was the seventh of thirteen children born to the Congregationalist minister Lyman Beecher and Roxana Foote Beecher. Stowe is best known for her seminal work, “Uncle Tom”s Cabin” (1852), which played a significant role in shaping public opinion on slavery in the United States prior to the Civil War. This novel, widely acclaimed for its vivid portrayal of the inhumanity of slavery, became an influential text in American literature and a cornerstone of social activism. Although “Breaking the Chains” is not one of her well-documented works, it could possibly be an obscure or alternate title, or even a misattribution, as there is no substantial scholarly reference to confirm its existence under Stowe”s authorship. Stowe”s literary style often incorporated her moral and religious beliefs, using storytelling as a vehicle for social critique and reform. She wrote more than 20 books, including novels, three travel memoirs, and collections of articles and letters. In her time, she was celebrated for her passionate advocacy against slavery, and her works contributed to the galvanization of anti-slavery movements in the United States. Stowe continued to write throughout her life, addressing women”s issues, religious reform, and the abolition of slavery, shaping her legacy as a key figure in American literature and history.