The Life & Times of Frederick Douglass: His Early Life as a Slave, His Escape From Bondage and His Complete Life Story

Frederick Douglass

Nov 2023 · Good Press

About this ebook

In 'The Life & Times of Frederick Douglass', this iconic abolitionist and statesman details his life journey from slavery to freedom with a keen eye for detail and a powerful narrative voice. Written in Douglass's eloquent prose, the book offers a first-hand account of the harsh realities of slavery, as well as the struggles and triumphs of the abolitionist movement in 19th-century America. Douglass's candid and poignant reflections provide readers with a unique insight into the complex social and political landscape of the time. Frederick Douglass, born into slavery in Maryland, was a prominent figure in the fight against slavery and a leading voice for civil rights in American history. His personal experiences as a former slave fueled his activism and shaped his powerful writings. 'The Life & Times of Frederick Douglass' showcases his remarkable intellect, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice. I highly recommend 'The Life & Times of Frederick Douglass' to readers interested in African American history, the abolitionist movement, or the power of personal narrative to inspire social change. Douglass's memoir remains a timeless and essential work in understanding the struggles and triumphs of the American past.

About the author

Born a slave in Maryland in about 1817, Frederick Douglass never became accommodated to being held in bondage. He secretly learned to read, although slaves were prohibited from doing so. He fought back against a cruel slave-breaker and finally escaped to New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1838 at about the age of 21. Despite the danger of being sent back to his owner if discovered, Douglass became an agent and eloquent orator for the Massachusetts Antislavery Society. He lectured extensively in both England and the United States. As an ex-slave, his words had tremendous impact on his listeners. In 1845 Douglass wrote his autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, which increased his fame. Concerned that he might be sent back to slavery, he went to Europe. He spent two years in England and Ireland speaking to antislavery groups. Douglass returned to the United States a free man and settled in Rochester, New York, where he founded a weekly newspaper, The North Star, in 1847. In the newspaper he wrote articles supporting the antislavery cause and the cause of human rights. He once wrote, "The lesson which [the American people] must learn, or neglect to do so at their own peril, is that Equal Manhood means Equal Rights, and further, that the American people must stand for each and all for each without respect to color or race." During the Civil War, Douglass worked for the Underground Railroad, the secret route of escape for slaves. He also helped recruit African-Americans soldiers for the Union army. After the war, he continued to write and to speak out against injustice. In addition to advocating education for freed slaves, he served in several government posts, including United States representative to Haiti. In 1855, a longer version of his autobiography appeared, and in 1895, the year of Douglass's death, a completed version was published. A best-seller in its own time, it has since become available in numerous editions and languages.