Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave (1845)

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, by Frederick Douglass, is a memoir of his life as a slave and his escape to freedom. Douglass talks about his experiences of being treated as property. Also, social pressures on slave holders to treat slaves a certain way. Additionally, his tells about his secretly educating himself. Finally, his tells of his flight for freedom. I would use excerpts of this book as an introduction on slavery.
As this book is a memoir, the author was present for the events. I would say that he is qualified. There is some sensationalism, as Douglass was trying to inflame public sentiment against slavery. On the whole though I would say the book is accurate. I believe it is accurate because it’s a memoir and because there has been considerable historical research on this book verifying the content. ( )

Never have I expected such bad-assery from a slave narrative. Bravo! ( )

This is a powerful autobiography of a man who would not be kept down. It is really powerful to hear him talk about the desire to learn to read and the power it unleashed for him. I also think the description of the change he felt when he decided he would never be whooped without striking back again is compelling. Civil rights struggles wrestle with the idea of violent or non-violent resistance and both have practical hang-ups. As an individual, Frederick Douglass decided that he would not be a passive sufferer of beatings any longer, and it seems to have also changed his demeanor and attitude before situations got to the point of him getting assaulted. ( )

Excellent introduction to Douglass's life and times for young readers. ( )

can't recommend it highly enough. Some of the surrounding text such as the preface and the appendicies weren't that interesting but in conjunction with Douglass's stirring tale they fit in nicely. However, it isn't the story of Douglass that is so worth the read as it is the effect it has on the reader. ( )