Donna Tesiero: A Revolutionary Woman

Author Donna Tesiero shares insights into her book, "A Revolutionary Woman: Elizabeth Freeman and the Abolition of Slavery in the North." Tesiero details Freeman's journey from enslavement in New York to her pivotal role in abolishing slavery in Massachusetts through a groundbreaking court case. The conversation explores the stark differences in the treatment of slaves between New York and Massachusetts in the 18th century, the abuses Freeman endured, and her extraordinary resilience and influence. Learn how Freeman's courage and moral strength not only secured her own freedom but also left an enduring legacy on those around her, including the renowned novelist Catharine Maria Sedgwick. This is the inspiring story of a woman whose fight for freedom helped shape the course of history.

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FEATURED TITLE

"A Revolutionary Woman: Elizabeth Freeman and the Abolition of Slavery in the North." McFarland, softcover (2024) ISBN: 9781476694535 https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/a-revolutionary-woman/

BOOK DESCRIPTION

At the end of the American Revolution, Elizabeth Freeman was an enslaved widow and mother living in Massachusetts. Hearing the words of the new Massachusetts state constitution which declared liberty and equality for all, she sought the help of a young lawyer named Theodore Sedgwick, later Speaker of the House and one of America’s leading Federalist politicians. The lawsuit that she and Sedgwick pursued would bring freedom to her and her daughter, as well as thousands of other enslaved people.

After leaving her enslaver’s family to work for the family of Theodore Sedgwick, she effectively became the foster mother to his seven children when his wife Pamela became a chronic invalid, enabling Sedgwick to pursue his political career. Two of his sons would credit her with saving their lives. His daughter Catharine Maria Sedgwick, one of the most famous female novelists of the early decades of the nineteenth century, would make her the model for one of her most celebrated heroines. This biography details Elizabeth Freeman’s life and the far-reaching influence of her battle for freedom.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Donna Tesiero holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornell, a law degree from Columbia, and master’s degrees from Harvard and Lesley University. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

OTHER BOOKS BY DONNA

• "Six Nations Diplomat: Molly Brant and the American Revolution" McFarland, softcover (2025) ISBN: 9781476694542  https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/six-nations-diplomat/
• "The Choosing Time" Self-published (2013), softcover. ISBN: 9781480081963. A historical novel for teens. https://www.the-choosing-time.com/

ABOUT MCFARLAND

McFarland, a leading independent publisher of academic and general-interest nonfiction books, is perhaps best known for the serious treatment of popular culture. Founded in 1979, McFarland is recognized among authors and readers as adventurous in range and a reliable source of worthy books that other publishers overlook. They have about 8000 unique works for sale and each year publish about 350 new titles. Meeting high library standards has been a major focus since the company began, and many McFarland books have received awards from the academic-oriented (Choice Outstanding Academ