Eneas Africanus

"Eneas Africanus" by Harry Stillwell Edwards is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book is steeped in Southern culture and humor, recounting the whimsical and adventurous story of an old African American man named Eneas. It reflects on themes of loyalty and the complexities of life in the post-Civil War South, emphasizing Eneas’s journey and experiences as he attempts to return to his former life. The narrative follows Eneas, a former servant of Major George E. Tommey, who becomes separated from his master during the Civil War. Tasked with transporting a precious family silver cup and other belongings, Eneas's journey turns into a comedic odyssey filled with misadventures and mistaken identities as he desperately searches for various towns named Thomasville, Macon, and Jefferson, all the while repeating the tale of Lady Chain, his old horse. His character is portrayed as both comedic and endearing, and ultimately, the novel culminates in an unexpected reunion with Major Tommey at a wedding celebration, where the lost cup is finally recovered. The story is a rich tapestry depicting the affection and bonds formed between Eneas and his white patrons, set against a backdrop of a changing Southern society.