Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
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4.6 • 922 Ratings
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Publisher Description
An Apple Books Classic edition.
Self-educated speaker and author. 1872 vice-presidential nominee. The 19th century’s most photographed man. Frederick Douglass, an enslaved man, went on to become one of the most celebrated freedom fighters in U.S. history. His autobiography, published in 1845, maps out his life story in vivid, often heartbreaking detail.
After learning the alphabet from a slaveholder’s wife, Douglass covertly learned to read with the help of some white children in town. Once he was sold to a slaveholder known for his cruelty, Douglass risked his life to escape north, disguised as a free Black sailor. Ten years later, that daring escape was almost for naught when the release of his book brought him attention that could have led to his recapture. Douglass initially fled the country, but returned when his supporters raised the funds to secure his status as a free man. For the rest of his life, Douglass continued to speak out against slavery, becoming famous for his impassioned speeches and incredible life story.
Customer Reviews
The Portrait of a Hero
No punches pulled in this book. Whereas ‘Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl’ makes sure not to use real names and places for fear of repercussions, Frederick calls out the slavers by name and makes sure the audience knows their locations as well. He’s bold. He’s savvy. He has a plan to escape his bondage and knows that when he’s free that he has to help educate the world about slavery.
I love his style! I think my favorite part of this book is Frederick tricking whites into educating him. He needs knowledge like others need food and to get it he will do just about anything. How he goes from the basic ABCs to reading philosophical novels is astounding. Such devotion! He knows that the basics of reading and writing will get him to freedom eventually and he does everything in his power to figure out ways to educate himself and others. It’s brilliant.
Quick and well worth it
Frederick Douglass is a straightforward man who wastes no breath in showing the world the indignity we often give to our fellow man who is different then us. He also shows how in our hearts we make constant excuses for sin by simply turning a blind eye. Sin is a crime not just to the victim but to the criminal.
Great read
Loved the book, very eye opening and insightful. A must read!