Brown, William Wells: - William Wells Brown was an African American author, abolitionist, and lecturer born in 1814. He is best known for his book "The Escape; or, A Leap for Freedom," which was published in 1858. His work "the escape or a leap for freedom" is a fictionalized account of Brown's own escape from slavery in Kentucky in 1834. Brown was a prominent figure in the abolitionist movement and used his writing to speak out against slavery and racism. In addition to "The Escape," he wrote several other books, including a memoir titled "Narrative of William W. Brown, a Fugitive Slave" and a play called "The Escape; or, A Leap to Freedom." William Wells Brown was an important figure in American history and his writing played a significant role in the fight against slavery and for the rights of African Americans. "The Escape" remains a powerful and important work today, offering insight into the experiences of those who lived through slavery and the fight for freedom.