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  • Published: 6 July 2011
  • ISBN: 9780307764560
  • Imprint: RH US eBook Adult
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 176
Categories:

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass





One of the most important documents in American history, and the most famous account of slavery in the world.

In 1845, runaway slave Frederick Douglass became, almost overnight, the most celebrated African American author in history with the publication of his Narrative. In stark, powerful prose, he conveyed his observations of owners and overseers, the demoralizing effects of slavery on both slave and slaveholder, and his own triumph over oppression. In the latter part of the century, Douglass became a public figure of enormous stature: an orator, a newspaper publisher, and a statesman. But he is perhaps best remembered as America's first major African American writer, a man whose work still makes a powerful impact on both our minds and hearts.

For a new perspective on Douglass' narrative, Henry Louis Gates, Jr.'s, introduction examines its literary and social importance, and considers the issues Douglass raised as the foundation for today's field of African American studies. Gates's illuminating insights, and an extensive bibliography, make this edition essential reading for scholars, historians, and students of African American literature.

  • Published: 6 July 2011
  • ISBN: 9780307764560
  • Imprint: RH US eBook Adult
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 176
Categories:

About the author

FREDERICK DOUGLASS

FREDERICK DOUGLASS was one of the foremost leaders
of the abolitionist movement, which fought to end slavery
within the United States in the decades prior to the Civil
War. When the American Anti-Slavery Society engaged him
on a tour of lectures, he became one of America's first great
black speakers. He won world fame with his first
autobiography, NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE OF
FREDERICK DOUGLAS (1845). Two years later he began
publishing an antislavery paper called the North Star.
Douglass served as an adviser to President Lincoln during
the Civil War and fought for the adoption of constitutional
amendments that guaranteed voting rights and other civil
liberties for blacks. He is still revered today for his fight
against racial injustice.

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