Figure 19 Plate, attributed to J. Vieillard et Cie., Bordeaux, ca. 1855. Whiteware. D. 8". (Courtesy, Rex Stark; photo, Gavin Ashworth.) This plate illustrates the scene “Uncle Tom Refuses to Hit Legree” (L’Oncle Tom Refuse de Battre Legree). The international success of Stowe’s novel was fueled by worker literacy movements on the Continent. Because Stowe capitalized on the popularity of the sentimental novel, women bought her book; men bought it for the action within; and religious groups and parents approved of its high moral tone. The novel was printed in more languages and in more countries at mid-century than any book other than the Bible.