The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass

Written by Himself

By: Frederick Douglass

Narrated by: Richard Allen

Length: 21 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass was Douglass' third autobiography. In it, he was able to go into greater detail about his life as a slave and his escape from slavery, as he and his family were no longer in any danger from the reception of his work.

In this engrossing narrative, he recounts early years of abuse; his dramatic escape to the North and eventual freedom, abolitionist campaigns, and his crusade for full civil rights for former slaves. It is also the only of Douglass' autobiographies to discuss his life during and after the Civil War, including his encounters with American Presidents such as Lincoln, Grant, and Garfield.

Public Domain (P)2012 Dreamscape Media, LLC

An eye opening view

I've heard about Fredrick Douglas my entire life. It's amazing to have a first hand account if his life in detail. He faced struggles that hard to comprehend today.
The narrator's voice is a little annoying, but the content is superb.

LONG BUT WORTH IT!

He lived an amazing life through amazing times which this story told masterfully. At times the sentences seemed a bit long compared to my normal "sound bite" reads. But sticking with it was well worth it.

A Much Needed View of American History

I have read few books on American History. Of everything I have read or been taught I found this to be one of the best illustrations of the history of slavery the Civil War and the rebuilding afterwards. worth listening to for any work interest in that period of America.

Excellent! Great narration. Don't miss this one!

Wonderful book! Everyone should listen to this! Complete history as told by Frederick Douglas. Excellent narrator!! Felt like I was listening to Frederick Douglas himself. Don't settle for an abridged version. Douglas was a fabulous writer. Listening to this book, we live through slavery, escape, persecution, civil war, rise to freedom. Great true account of his life in his own words. There is a reason he was a great man.

Amazing

Should be required reading /listening for public schools. Informative and empowering story that testifies to the potential good and evil of any country and that ordinary people can and do change the world for the better.

A resilient soul, a timeless message

Mr. Douglass lived four full lives when many barely live one. He began in slavery and ended in victory. His victory however is not at the expense of others, but to lift everyone up, even those who struggled against him. If you want to understand modern America more clearly and deeply, listen to/read this life story. It cuts through the division of our day with timeless truths and humble confessions that would do us all good. He’s often bold, direct, uncomfortable, and brutally honest yet balanced with love. Where others seek to destroy in righteous anger, Mr. Douglass seeks to restore. I’ve rarely heard such eloquence and grace. This will be one of my top books of all time.

An Inspired Reading of a Fantastic Story

Where does The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have listened to several excellent audio books. This one ranks among the best.

Which character – as performed by Richard Allen – was your favorite?

Richard Allen does an exemplary job of portraying every character in the book. His reading of the words of Frederick Douglass himself do justice to the articulate, insightful, and forceful gentleman that was Frederick Douglass.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

The book is far too long to listen to in one sitting, and I must admit that there are a few sections, particularly in the several speeches Douglas chose to insert towards the end of the book, where the author gets somewhat wordy, but I found the vast majority of the story wonderfully engaging.

Any additional comments?

This is almost as much a history book as it is an autobiography. In addition to the insight into Douglass' life and character, I also found fascinating Douglass' encounters with many other important historical figures, including several Presidents of the United States, Senators, foreign dignitaries, and abolitionist leaders.

We also experience the stories of slavery, that lead to its downfall, and gain a unique perspective on reconstruction and beyond, as seen through the eyes of an eminent, African American leader.

Incredible life

The story and performance was excellent. I knew the Wikipedia version of Frederick Douglas, but nothing compared to hearing this story from his perspective with amazing recollection and detail.

Many of his predictions and values are still present in today’s society. Amazing to see the progress we have made and how much is still the same 170 years after this story.

The Voice of Douglass

The incredible life of Frederick Douglass in his words. The narrator seems to capture the spirit of Douglass as if the former slave was telling me the story himself.

A man of grace

Fredrick's, life story is an incredible tale of struggle, determination, and great perseverance.
In one word if I could pick to describe this amazing man, it would be, gracious. Douglass, eloquently depicts his life from slave to becoming a free man of this republic, and his high involvement to not only freeing those of color from bondage, but being a council and listening ear to several presidents.
I have never read a story that is so saturated in the gospel, clothed in grace, and wrapped in deep mercy. It is a beautiful story, of a beautiful life that if one was given the the opertunaty to read, they'd be a fool if one didn't.
The voice actor of this read was amazing and did a fantastic job.