Sentiment without Tears: Uncle Tom’s Cabin as History in the 1890s

Uncle Tom’s Cabin was an unprecedented success when first published in 1852, but by the 1860s interest in the book had diminished; it was infrequently reprinted either during the war or the postwar years (Winship; Parfait). Stowe’s novel gained a new lease on life in the 1880s and especially the 1890s, however; new editions appeared, and there is good evidence for saying that the book was, once again, widely read.1 This essay explores the renewed appeal of Uncle Tom’s Cabin for commentators, editors, publishers, and other readers of this period.