“My Bondage and My Freedom,” writes John Stauffer in his Foreword, “[is] a deep meditation on the meaning of slavery, race...
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Jan 07, 2012
Rd
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Unbelievable his ability to connect the wrongs of slavery to natural rights. Made all the right arguments for natural rights - not based on personal experience but on the natural order of things. His ability to detach his personal experience form what is right and wrong is simply unheard of today. A remarkable man that proves common sense and intelligence is not necessarily synonymous with educated.
His insight on how society was able to develop the slave mindset to keep slaves in check is quite More...
His insight on how society was able to develop the slave mindset to keep slaves in check is quite More...
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Aug 18, 2008
Sumeyya
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My Bondage and My Freedom is unparalleled in its complete scope of the utter destructive effects of slavery upon individuals and the larger group. There is NO other narrative, fiction or non, that describes the African American experience of bondage quite like this -- or in fact, at all. Other great African American thinkers (such as Du Bois or Washington) are able to examine the effects of slavery on society through observation; their accounts are mostly of African Americans' experience post-em
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Jan 21, 2011
Thorin
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This is a very heavy read. Frederick Douglass has an amazing gift of language and he uses it well in describing his story. I wish everyone would read this. It was at times so tragic that I could hardly stand it and I felt my heart breaking in my chest. Other times I was thrilled with his soaring words from excerpts of his speeches that were included in the book. Douglass' observations about the institution of slavery are absolutely spot on and really helped me understand much more about both th
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Feb 06, 2010
Howard
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This is Frederick Douglass' story of his life as a slave, and his subsequent escape to the North. Douglass doesn't just describe the physical cruelty of southern slavery, although there's plenty of harrowing detail about that. He emphasizes the psychological pain suffered by slaves. We speak now of grinding poverty, but slaves like Douglass had to suffer through something even worse; the knowledge that their lives were not their own. This is brought home when Douglass' master - a man Douglass ha
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Dec 03, 2011
Sinai
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Honestly, the only reason this got 3 stars was because of my own failing as a reader to understand everything that was going on and his sophistication as a writer was beyond my own in reading. I found it hard to believe everything that was going on, and I had to keep reminding myself--this isn't just another fiction story on slavery--this actually happened to those people and to him. I honestly felt as if I knew who Fredrick Douglass was; one of the most famous abolitionists and here I am, readi
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Aug 26, 2010
Daphna
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Douglass's A Slave Narrative is one of my favorites and this book is an expansion on that, so I was very excited to embark on this read. Douglass will forever be one the greatest writers in American history; notable for his honesty, depth, and natural brilliance. I (impatiently) waited to read about how Douglass managed his escape - an issue not discussed in A Slave Narrative, and when the time finally came, he confessed that he could not divulge the details. ARGH! The frustration! Oh well, noth
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Jun 27, 2008
Robin
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An amazing true story of a slave who fought to become a free man. Douglass tells his story in an unflinching manner, and you feel his pain. His vocabulary is impressive and makes it a difficult read at times. But totally worth the effort!
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Aug 05, 2010
Amber
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This book was wierd it was also disturbing bc it was gross. and also it would have been a lot shorter if he hadnt explained so much that which was all about nothing but it was alot better than Mountains beyond mountains.
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Oct 27, 2011
Laura
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Nov 07, 2010
This is book is one of my all time favorite books. I think Frederick Douglas is so articulate. He has such a bright mind! I believe if he had not been held back by his color, he would have been one of our countries great leaders. As it is, I believe he came to earth with the great spirit he was, to help save his people from slavery and oppression. Someone had to do it, and he was up for the fight. The Lord endowed him with a mind greater than those around him, including those who thought he was
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Jul 12, 2011
Ij
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My Bondage My Freedom
Written By: Frederick Douglass
Published By: Public Domain (Amazon) Kindle Edition
My Bondage My Freedom
I have read in the past about Frederick Douglass the famed abolitionist, orator, statesman, and writer. However, until reading this autobiography I knew nothing about him before he became famous.
This autobiography was published in 1855 and thus covered approximately thirty-seven (37) of his early years. Being More...
Written By: Frederick Douglass
Published By: Public Domain (Amazon) Kindle Edition
My Bondage My Freedom
I have read in the past about Frederick Douglass the famed abolitionist, orator, statesman, and writer. However, until reading this autobiography I knew nothing about him before he became famous.
This autobiography was published in 1855 and thus covered approximately thirty-seven (37) of his early years. Being More...
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Mar 22, 2010
David
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We, generally, don't have slavery like we used to have in the 18th and 19th century in the US. But I believe we still DO have forms of INSTITUTIONAL slavery recognized and supported by the laws of this land. Is that a narcissistic statement making a false comparison? Perhaps, but as Douglass noted, his treatment by Auld in Baltimore was markedly better than in the field under Covey, but more time to read, think, and freedom from physical burdens, stirred in him only a greater fire to win his
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Jul 12, 2009
Nicholas
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Mar 11, 2008
Christian
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An incredible story and insight into the personal and perennial fight for the freedom and escape from physical and mental slavery. Writing elequotenly from the hands and mind of a slave that was in a system that systematically was suppose to prevent niggers to read or write (or think), let alone write a bestseller book and an indelible page in history with his later abolitionist activties. Douglas is an incredible person and figure in American History and is also a remarkable writer and orator,
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Jun 22, 2011
Jonathan
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I have to go to work, so I don't have the time to write the words I should. But, essentially, I have been interested with slavery as a concept for a long time, and this book was more than enough to fill in the gaps. It was an education on human spirit, and what it is to be free. I found many parallels with modern society, of which I will describe another time... This is a gripping, excellent autobiography.
May 17, 2010
Claire
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This should be required reading for everyone. I only wish that he could have detailed how exactly he made his escape. I'll have to look around and see if I can find it detailed elsewhere. One thing that he really emphasized in his narrative is the hypocrisy of the slave holders in their profession of Christian religion. How could they possibly think they were doing the right thing? Unbelievable.
Jan 14, 2011
Rsoeffker
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The review that most people expect is something about the awful institution of slavery. I submit to you that if that is all you got out of the book, you missed the point. This book is about Douglas' fortitude, honor, and intellect. This is a guy who could eat rocks and shit gunpowder. Think your life sucks? Learn something from Douglas and quit being lazy.
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Aug 03, 2011
Erik
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This is one of the greatest autobiographies I've ever read. It blends a story of triumph over adversity, a retelling of a man's education, and an almost-Tocquevillean analysis of a society and how its economic foundation, slavery, seeps into every aspect of that society from religion to family even to the calendar. This should be required reading
Sep 20, 2010
Dee
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Frederick Douglass was an impeccable writer! I am really savoring every word. The history of this GREAT man is amazing. The things he overcame left me speechless and weight heavy on my mind long after I finished a chapter. I love this book, his words, and the overall message it conveys. Simply amazing!
May 24, 2010
Steve
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This is a primary source account by a former slave Frederick Douglass. There is no other work that I have come across that explains the life of a slave more so than this. Very telling, this is a dark part of American history we should all be aware of so it isn't repeated.
Jan 13, 2009
Heather
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This is the autobiography of Frederick Douglass and he tells his story of slavery and then eventually his freedom. I really liked the beginning. He is so great with words and I can't believe that he basically taught himself to read and write. It still amazes me that people could justify treating others so inhumanely. The end was a little long.
Nov 07, 2009
Nomad
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Very interesting autobiography by Frederick Douglas. Born into Slavery escaped to freedom. An honest read on the horrible elements that make up the whole society of Slavery. I am amazed how America is still paying for the crime of slavery....
Jul 28, 2009
Matthew
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A startling look at the life of one of the most famous slaves turned abolitionists. It is a captivating and heart wrenching tale which should be read by all for its insights into the institution of slavery and how tenacity and will-power was able to overcome such an oppressive system.
Dec 04, 2008
Andrea
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Reads like a novel. I know this shows up on many class reading lists but I finally got around to reading it after buying it several years ago. It's a great story and it felt even more important reading it during the Obama election.
May 06, 2010
Oliver
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One of the most amazing books I have read. I believe this is one of those books that really inspires the american dream to go from pauper to prince. A slave that goes from the field to the anti slavery for front. AMAZING
Mar 15, 2011
Allison
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If I taught history, every student would be required to read this book! I am so very grateful to my American History teacher at Texas Christian University for requiring me to read this book. Thank you.
Oct 17, 2011
Jordan
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Assuming this is the book I'm thinking of... (It was a long time ago) ...it definately called up the appropriate horror, was written well, and so on. However, it's not really a book to be 'enjoyed'.
Jan 04, 2012
Hapzydeco
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Frederick Douglass originally penned his book as a response to people's accusations that someone as articulate and composed as he could not possibly be a former slave.
May 01, 2009
Mariana
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We all yearn for freedom, whatever oppresses us, slavery or society's views of people with disabities or gender differences. Still Slavery is a most profound evil.
Nov 08, 2009
Steven
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This book is very important to your understanding of American history. Highly recommend it. Douglass is a truly remarkable person.
