Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglass An American Slave Written By Himself PLUS The Anti-Slavery Alphabet

by Frederick Douglass

After escaping from slavery, Frederick Douglass wrote and taught against slavery.

Genres: School, High School

Nook

Published May 1, 2011

About the author

Frederick Douglass (né Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey) was born a slave in the state of Maryland in 1818. After his escape from slavery, Douglass became a renowned abolitionist, editor and feminist. Having escaped from slavery at age 20, he took the name Frederick Douglass for himself and became an advocate of abolition. Douglass traveled widely, and often perilously, to lecture against slavery.

His first of three autobiographies, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave, was published in 1845. In 1847 he moved to Rochester, New York, and started working with fellow abolitionist Martin R. Delany to publish a weekly anti-slavery newspaper, North Star. Douglass was the only man to speak in favor of Elizabeth Cady Stanton's controversial plank of woman suffrage at the first women's rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York, in 1848. As a signer of the Declaration of Sentiments, Douglass also promoted woman suffrage in his North Star. Douglass and Stanton remained lifelong friends.

In 1870 Douglass launched The New National Era out of Washington, D.C. He was nominated for vice-president by the Equal Rights Party to run with Victoria Woodhull as presidential candidate in 1872. He became U.S. marshal of the District of Columbia in 1877, and was later appointed minister resident and consul-general to Haiti. His District of Columbia home is a national historic site. D. 1895.

More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederic...

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p1...

http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/exhi...

http://www.loc.gov/collection/frederi...

http://www.nps.gov/frdo/index.htm

http://www.cr.nps.gov/museum/exhibits...

Reviews

[Alexa LaMaida · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think Fredrick Douglass was an interesting read. I liked towards the end to hear about his attempts at escape and life after he does escape. He is a very creative writer and uses very compelling dialect and strong imagery to paint a picture in the reader's mind of his life on the plantations such as the gory punishments administered by Mr.Sever. However, in the beginning he is just stating what he thinks happened in the earlier parts of his life. Douglass remembers the major details of his life like how his mother was separated from him but not very many other specifics. It was also kind of hard to follow along with some of the details because they just were constantly changing and got a little confusing like when would move plantations every few months it just became hard to keep track of the setting. Overall it was an enjoyable way to pass the time and read a little about an incredibly talented writer and the hardships he overcame to find freedom.

[Haley Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

very cool and sad to read what actually happened

[Edison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fredrick douglass was amazing reading because i learn about slavery and how hard it was. fredrick douglass struggle during the beginning of the book because he didnt know why he was treated badly because of his color. Fredick douglass life wasnt easy for him because he saw his familly member struggle and he felt that it was cruel the way they treated them. Fredrick douglass learn how to read and write in other to become someone in the world in other to change the world. Fredrick douglass change alot of things by giving that speech that help people and help the black community. Fredick douglass told his life and how hard things were and what things he went through to move and be free by knowing knowledge in what he learn and help him success in life.

[Tatianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

i thought of this book i thought is was sad because of the way they treated thee slaves. This was the best book ever that i read in english 3 so far . I think we should read more books like this more offen in class .
i read that was fredrick Douglass was a slave and that he wanted his eduction and be free. He got white people to treat him and he gave him bread just to teach him. I loved this book i wish it was more books like this to read it was really good . This relate to my life because im black but im not a slave but i am in school to get my eduction .Fredrick Douglass really puted himself to become famous autor .

[Olandomartin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good book. It was nice to learn about his life and the things he went through. My favorite part of the book is when Fredrick got away from slavery. It was my favorite part because he became a free man and talked to other black people about becoming free. Fredrick is a good example young adults because his story shows that he was a hard worker and got through everything he put his mind to.

[Marcia S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very vivid and detailed into his life as a slave.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was very interesting and informative, but told like a story.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book.