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Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

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'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass' by Frederick Douglass is a compelling autobiography that provides a firsthand account of the brutalities of slavery in America. Through Douglass' eloquent writing style, readers are taken on a journey of his struggles, triumphs, and the inhumane treatment he endured as a slave. The narrative sheds light on the hypocrisy of slave owners, the resilience of the human spirit, and the quest for freedom against all odds.

Douglass' writing style is described as poignant and insightful, offering a visceral and sharply written account of his remarkable struggle to rise above the brutal misery of slavery. not only serves as a historical document but also as a moving reminder that the fight for equality and dignity continues even after nearly 200 years. It presents a detailed insight into the cruelty of United States slavery while showcasing Douglass' unwavering determination to find his human dignity in the face of racism and exploitation.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by its eloquence and emotional depth, making Douglass's experiences resonate strongly with readers.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on Frederick Douglass's experiences as an enslaved person and his ultimate quest for freedom, illustrating the harsh realities of slavery.

Setting:

The setting is the antebellum South, predominantly highlighting the brutal conditions of plantations and the pervasive culture of slavery.

Pacing:

The pacing allows for an engaging read, balancing fast-paced recounting of events with moments of reflection.
I WAS born in Tuckahoe, near Hillsborough, and about twelve miles from Easton, in Talbot county, Maryland. I have no accurate knowledge of my age, never having seen any authentic record containing it....

Notes:

Frederick Douglass fled slavery and became a prominent abolitionist.
He was separated from his mother at a young age and never experienced her care.
Slaves lived in brutal conditions, often subjected to physical brutality.
Douglass was self-taught and learned to read and write against the odds.
He document the psychological warfare that slaves endured, not just physical mistreatment.
The book condemns the hypocrisy of religious slaveholders in the South.
Douglass's narrative contributes significantly to the understanding of Black history in America.
His writing illustrates both the horrors of slavery and his strong desire for freedom.
Douglass wrote three autobiographies, with the first one being the most famous.
The narrative inspired many in the abolitionist movement, both in the North and South.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains graphic descriptions of violence, dehumanization, and abuse associated with slavery, which may be triggering for some readers.

From The Publisher:

The story of Frederick Douglass is passionate, harrowing, and inspiring. As a former slave, impassioned abolitionist, gifted writer, newspaper editor, and powerful orator, Douglass was an immense, motivational figure. His early life, filled with physical abuse, deprivation, and tragedy, adds up to a heart-wrenching history. However, he was able to overcome everything that bound a slave to his life and become a leading spokesman for his people.

In this first of his three autobiographies, Douglass relates graphic descriptions of his childhood, his shocking experiences as a slave, and his thrilling escape from slavery to safety in the North and his pivotal freedom.

Originally published in 1845, a date significant for the fact that very few African Americans could read or write at that time, this tale of sadness, danger, and eventual liberation will appeal to readers of all kinds. For those interested in African American history and the life of one of the most daring and heroic champions of civil rights, this page-turner is a perfect library addition.

Skyhorse Publishing, along with our Arcade, Good Books, Sports Publishing, and Yucca imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs. Our list includes biographies on well-known historical figures like Benjamin Franklin, Nelson Mandela, and Alexander Graham Bell, as well as villains from history, such as Heinrich Himmler, John Wayne Gacy, and O. J. Simpson. We have also published survivor stories of World War II, memoirs about overcoming adversity, first-hand tales of adventure, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

Ratings (21)

Incredible (8)
Loved It (5)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (5)
Did Not Like (2)

Reader Stats (31):

Read It (23)
Want To Read (5)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (2)

1 comment(s)

It Was OK
4 months

Read several times in college. I don't remember much except for some Jesus imagery. Interesting and important from a historical perspective. I also remember it was very interesting how he described how he learned how to read.

 

About the Author:

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in Maryland, 1818. He was separated from his mother as a baby and lived with his grandmother up to the age of eight, when he was sent to live as a house servant, a field hand, and then a ship caulker. He escaped to New York in 1938 and seven years later published Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an autobiography of his life as a slave, which became an instant bestseller. Douglass rose to fame as a powerful orator and spent the rest of his life campaigning for equality. He became a national leader of the abolitionist movement, a consultant to Abraham Lincoln in the civil rights movement and a passionate supporter of the women's rights movement. He died in 1895.

 
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