Amanda Berry Smith (1837–1915) was born into slavery in Maryland. Her father purchased her freedom, who worked extra jobs to buy freedom for him and his family. In 1862, Smith married James Smith, an ordained deacon in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. After her husband’s death, Smith started traveling, becoming a popular speaker at churches and camp meetings. In 1878, she traveled to England and on to India and later Africa as a missionary, advancing women’s role in the ministry, especially in the AME and Methodist Churches. This first edition is in the original burgundy cloth binding with a gilt picture of Smith on the front cover.