The Anti-Slavery Alphabet (Annotated)

The Philadelphia Female Anti Slavery Society published "The Anti Slavery Alphabet" in 1846. It is a 16 page manual meant as an educational tool to communicate the negatives of slavery to kids. The booklet is presented as an alphabet book, with each letter of the alphabet being followed by a poem which discusses different aspects of slavery and also the aabominationist movement. The poems stress the inhumanity of slavery, value of liberty and moral obligation to end the practice. The booklet was meant to be sent out in homes and schools to instill opposing viewpoints on slavery in the youth. Additionally, it reflects the larger social change initiative of abolitionists in utilizing literature as well as education as instruments of change.
The abolitionists 'dedication and conviction in the effectiveness of education in shaping public opinion and inspiring action against social injustices is apparent in the work.