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Paperback Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Book

ISBN: 0486284999

ISBN13: 9780486284996

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. Written by Himself

(Part of the The Autobiographies (#1) Series and Voices of the African Diaspora Series)

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Format: Paperback

Condition: Very Good

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Book Overview

Former slave, impassioned abolitionist, brilliant writer, newspaper editor and eloquent orator whose speeches fired the abolitionist cause, Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) led an astounding life. Physical abuse, deprivation and tragedy plagued his early years, yet with his tenacious character and relentless pursuit of self-education, he would overcome these obstacles to become a leading spokesman for his people.
In this, the first and most frequently read of his three autobiographies, Douglass provides graphic descriptions of his childhood and horrifying experiences as a slave as well as a harrowing record of his dramatic escape to the North and eventual freedom.
Published in 1845 to quell doubts about his origins -- since few slaves of that period could write -- the Narrative is admired today for its extraordinary passion, sensitive and vivid descriptions and storytelling power. It belongs in the library of anyone interested in African-American history and the life of one of the country's most courageous and influential champions of civil rights.

Customer Reviews

37 customer ratings | 8 reviews

Rated 4 stars
What a great man.

Great read and a great man. The book seems a little incomplete as it would seem mr Douglass was wary of divulging too much information at the time. Sad really. If you want to know more of his story you’ll have to piece it together from other books.

1Report

Rated 5 stars
Frederick Douglass

A compelling look at slavery and leaving its clutches, how I wish this was not a reality for so many people.

4Report

Rated 5 stars
Good Read. The subject is quite good.

Quite expressive and tells about how a lot of people felt especially those that were in the same situation!

7Report

Rated 5 stars
Extraordinary!

I am so glad I purchased this wonderful book about the life of one of America's greatest minds! Frederick Douglas was the real man, speaking from experience, and his were hardly those any of us could imagine, he earns his credibility to speak of slavery, politics and life, & he does it with great wisdom. What an honorable man, and I cried in disbelief that stupid, ignorant idiots were tearing down the statue of a former slave...

20Report

Rated 5 stars
Read this classic!

I bought this book to read with my AP Language class for school. Normally I’m not big on memoirs, or really nonfiction in general, but I entered this with an open mind. Douglass told his story in a way that was enjoyable and educational, I cried along while reading and felt as if I was there. He truly was an eloquent author. This classic should be a requirement for all Americans to read! Glad to have this classic on my shelf!...

14Report

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. Written by Himself Mentions in Our Blog

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. Written by Himself in The February Birthday Blog
The February Birthday Blog
Published by Ashly Moore Sheldon • February 02, 2025

Treat your February-born friends and family to a bookish birthday! Did you know you can schedule ThriftBooks e-Gift Cards to be delivered on a specific date? Or If you'd rather give your February friends something specific, we've put together a list of some of the hottest titles of the moment. Plus, learn about literary luminaries born this month.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. Written by Himself in 10 Titles You Lit-erally Need to Read
10 Titles You Lit-erally Need to Read
Published by Eva • September 14, 2015

Five words you never want to hear in a comparative lit class?

"Yeah, going off of that..."

Which, when translated to normal human speak, actually means "This in no way relates to the point you just made, but I really love to hear myself talk." Every English major knows the scenario: The class circles up after reading (or not reading) a beautifully crafted piece of literature, and an intellectually-indulged twenty-something decides to hijack the discussion with the deluded idea that they have the book completely figured out. But the thing about great literature is that no one has managed to totally figure it out – that's why it stands apart as a selection of work that we all keep coming back to. Plus nothing kills an engaging class discussion quite like an unchecked know-it-all. Whether you're the type of student who's read the book before it was assigned, or who only highlights quotes they find on sparknotes, these ten works of literature are worth a second (or third) read. And here's a plus; two of them are comic books.

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