Up from Slavery

By: Booker T. Washington

Narrated by: Noah Waterman

Length: 6 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Booker T. Washington fought his way out of slavery to become an educator, statesman, political shaper, and proponent of the "do-it-yourself" idea. In his autobiography, he describes his early life as a slave on a Virginia plantation, his steady rise during the Civil War, his struggle for education, his schooling at the Hampton Institute, and his years as founder and president of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, which was devoted to helping minorities learn useful, marketable skills.

He gives an account of his travels, speeches, and meetings with various leaders, including Theodore Roosevelt in the White House. Employing a didactic tone, Washington deftly sets forth his belief that the Black man’s salvation lies in education, industriousness, and self-reliance. This is the true-life story of a man of real courage and dedication.

Booker Taliaferro Washington (1856-1915), founder of Tuskegee Institute, was a leading educator, author, and statesman who rose from slavery to become internationally famous.

Public Domain (P)1995 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Remains one of the most important works on such an influential African American leader." (Professor Delia Crutchfield Cook, University of Maryland)

"This book is a must-[listen]." (Professor Warren C. Swindell, Indiana State University)

An Unsung Champion of Achievement!!!

Any additional comments?

Booker Taliaferro Washington's life was a monumental success, and should be lauded as such today and in the future, particularly since he was born in slavery. His ravenous hunger and staunch resolve to educate himself, and then educate others is astonishing, given the many hardships he endured, only to be forgotten by the people he was attempting to uplift. If he was born today, I wonder what he would have accomplished in the current climate of Black Lives Matter and similar groups, who have not followed his example. I have a feeling that just as he is a forgotten significant historical figure from a tumultuous past, he would be forgotten again because the foundation which inspired him to educate himself has been eradicated and replaced by the desire to be given that which should be earned. Why this man is not a permanent fixture in the minds of Americans on the level of MLK, and invoked on the political landscape, boggles the mind.

Mind Opening Story and A Must READ

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know the truth about the struggle of the American Negro and how he over came it. Starting as a labeled slave and working his way into an amazing journey of freedom and education, goes to show that there are not limits when granted the opportunity no matter who you are.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked hearing about the promise of hope and commitment to progression from becoming a freed slave to an amazing advocate for the African American community around a time where ignorance was mastered by a closed minded community

Which character – as performed by Noah Waterman – was your favorite?

Booker T Washington

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Reading about how he built Tuskeegee University from scratch and had the students involved with the university's establishment

Any additional comments?

Must Read!!!

needs to slow down

The only problem I had with this very interesting and historical book was the narrator talked WAY too fast. It was sometimes hard to absorb what he was saying as it felt like he was 'running' rather than simply walking or reading at a normal pace. I would still say, however, one should listen to this very informative book.

incredible

amazing production and story, I'm glad I learned about this man....grateful of his legacy. thank you

Worst narrator ever.

He had all of the inflection of SIRI reading the phone book. The book itself was wonderful. But that voice...

Great!

If you could sum up Up from Slavery in three words, what would they be?

Inspiring, Informative, Intuitive

What did you like best about this story?

The perspective from Booker T Washington

What does Noah Waterman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He brings the book alive!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Up From Slavery

Mr Washington was an American hero

What an inspiring life. The amount of wisdom and common sense this man had is amazing. His dignity and understanding of what truly degraded the souls of men is what we need more of today. Considering the conversation on our national stage today regarding race and prejudice, this book should be taught in every school.

Great book about a great American

Any additional comments?

This version of Up From Slavery is a solid listen that is well worth your time. Booker T. Washington is a fascinating character in American history in general and African American history in particular. His words about industry and self reliance will inspire you and make you feel a sense of the true American spirit that is woven into our heritage. I was greatly inspired by this incredible story of a self made man of the most humble beginnings who used his life and success to constantly lift others.

Amazing Person

This is a true testament of the individual. I've recognized the name Booker T. Washington as the name is seen in passing in history text books, but they give no inclination of who he actually was. If I remember correctly, he is made out to be a black person who supported segregation. Although he does use the phrase "socially separate" in one of his included speeches; I think; this may have been a concession to move forward without conflict. Either way, there is so much more to him than one political idea, and the fact a history textbook seems to give as much focus to him as the term carpet bagger is given is a travesty.

A wonderful story that

exalts the perseverance, nobility of man without self-aggrandizement, bitterness or blame. Present dat politicians and crusaders of all races would do well to read and profit from this extraordinary man’s lessons and example. But with apologies to the narrator, the flat, insipid delivery did little justice to the man.