Frederick Douglass

Born into slavery, Douglass became an eloquent spokesperson for both black's and women's rights. During and after the Ci... (more)

Born into slavery, Douglass became an eloquent spokesperson for both black's and women's rights. During and after the Civil War, Douglass became a confidant of presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. Douglass also argued for African Americans to be allowed to join the Union army in the fight for their own freedom. (less)

When, in 1879, a bust in his likeness was placed at the University of Rochester, Frederick Douglass wrote: "Incidents of... (more)

When, in 1879, a bust in his likeness was placed at the University of Rochester, Frederick Douglass wrote: "Incidents of this character do much amaze me. It is not, however, the height to which I have risen, but the depth from which I have come that amazes me." This biography tells the story of his ascent from slavery. (less)

Frederick Douglass was a self-educated slave in the South who grew up to become an icon. He was a leader of the abolitio... (more)

Frederick Douglass was a self-educated slave in the South who grew up to become an icon. He was a leader of the abolitionist movement, a celebrated writer, an esteemed speaker, and a social reformer, proving that, as he said, "Once you learn to read, you will be forever free." (less)

"Discover the world of one of America's most celebrated abolitionists, writers, and orators in this inspirational biogra... (more)

"Discover the world of one of America's most celebrated abolitionists, writers, and orators in this inspirational biography of Frederick Douglass. Kids will learn about his life, achievements, and the challenges he faced along the way."-- (less)

"The definitive, dramatic biography of the most important African-American of the nineteenth century: Frederick Douglass... (more)

"The definitive, dramatic biography of the most important African-American of the nineteenth century: Frederick Douglass, the escaped slave who became the greatest orator of his day and one of the leading abolitionists and writers of the era. As a young man Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) escaped from slavery in Baltimore, Maryland. He was fortunate to have been taught to read by his slave owner mistress, and he would go on to become one of the major literary figures of his time. He wrote three versions of his autobiography over the course of his lifetime and published his own newspaper. His very existence gave the lie to slave owners: with dignity and great intelligence he bore witness to the brutality of slavery. Initially mentored by William Lloyd Garrison, Douglass spoke widely, often to large crowds, using his own story to condemn slavery. He broke with Garrison to become a political abolitionist, a Republican, and eventually a Lincoln supporter. By the Civil War and during Reconstruction, Douglass became the most famed and widely traveled orator in the nation. He denounced the premature end of Reconstruction and the emerging Jim Crow era. In his unique and eloquent voice, written and spoken, Douglass was a fierce critic of the United States as well as a radical patriot. He sometimes argued politically with younger African-Americans, but he never forsook either the Republican party or the cause of black civil and political rights. In this remarkable biography, David Blight has drawn on new information held in a private collection that few other historian have consulted, as well as recently discovered issues of Douglass's newspapers. Blight tells the fascinating story of Douglass's two marriages and his complex extended family. Douglass was not only an astonishing man of words, but a thinker steeped in Biblical story and theology. There has not been a major biography of Douglass in a quarter century. David Blight's Frederick Douglass affords this important American the distinguished biography he deserves"-- (less)

"A biography of Frederick Douglass covering his origins as slave and journey to becoming an abolitionist leader"-- (more)

"A biography of Frederick Douglass covering his origins as slave and journey to becoming an abolitionist leader"-- (less)

Set in 1872, Ohio, where Frederick Douglass is on a national tour. The pastor introduces him to his integrated church. D... (more)

Set in 1872, Ohio, where Frederick Douglass is on a national tour. The pastor introduces him to his integrated church. Douglass then gives an electrifying sermon on his breathtaking journey from slavery to author, newspaper editor, and leading American statesman. One of our greatest heroes, Douglass had many triumphs, including helping pass Amendments to the US Constitution. He reveals his life in the North, in London, and as a Christian leader, with wit and wisdom. He could have lived in Europe but felt God's call to return to America to win freedom for all. There was no turning back. (less)