Sowing and Reaping

<p><I>Sowing and Reaping</I> (1876) is a novel by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. One of the first novels published by an African American woman <I>Sowing and Reaping</I> is a story of friendship romance and tragedy that advocates for temperance nationwide. Originally published in serial format in the <I>Christian Recorder</I> an important and historical periodical connected to the African Methodist Episcopal Church <I>Sowing and Reaping</I> was rediscovered in the late twentieth century and has since been recognized as a groundbreaking work of fiction by the first African American woman to publish a novel.</p><p>Discussing the recent closure of John Andrews' saloon Paul Clifford and John Anderson reveal the starkly opposing natures which collide within their friendship. Although both consider themselves businessmen Paul-whose father died young from alcoholism-always places morality ahead of opportunity while John a pragmatist at heart places his personal interests ahead of everything. Scolding his friend for not capitalizing on the bankruptcy of a local man John presages the tragic events to come. As Paul falls in love with Belle through their mutual advocacy of temperance John tries his hand as a saloon owner himself indulging in and selling alcohol while turning a blind eye to his son's increasing dependence on drinking. Written in straightforward prose <I>Sowing and Reaping</I> is a politically conscious novel concerned with the cause of temperance in a time when families and communities were frequently torn apart by alcoholism.</p><p>With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript this edition of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper's <I>Sowing and Reaping</I> is a classic of African American literature reimagined for modern readers.</p>