Sterling Biographies

Frederick Douglass

By: Frances E. Ruffin

Narrated by: Cornelius Jones Jr.

Length: 3 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

From slave to freedom fighter: that was the long and hard journey taken by Frederick Douglass. Douglass was America's first great civil-rights leader, and he threw off the physical, mental, and legal chains of slavery to become one of America's greatest champions for human rights. It was said that his life was proof that once black people could read and write about their injustices, they would have the power to end slavery.

Frances E. Ruffin explores this inspiring figure in all his complexity, and captures the hardships, prejudice, and violence Douglass endured as he fought for justice.

©2008 Sterling (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Interesting and informative but dull reader

I am guessing the book and reader were maybe aimed at a children's audience. While I did learn a good deal and am glad I listened, the reader has a very dull monotone that was difficult to enjoy.

Wanted More Story

What made the experience of listening to Sterling Biographies the most enjoyable?

It was very basic. It is a story I want to know more about.

Any additional comments?

Very dry listening. If that's possible. I may try another Sterling biography.

Great Story!

The story is well written but the narrator is distracting at times. In most audiobooks, the narrators speak as though they are talking. Cornelius Jones speaks as though he is reading from a book. Having said that, the story is great. My daughter and I enjoyed every moment.

Age Relevance

I found this book to be a nice summary of his life, but it was clearly aimed at a middle or elementary school level. Is there a book about Douglas for the adult reader?

Fred Douglass is my hero

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

Yes. Wonderful introduction to a courageous person.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Fred Douglass. Because of his bravery.

Have you listened to any of Cornelius Jones’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

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

I was moved by his courage to return to the US even at the risk of being arrested again.

even better third time

such an uplifting story, and we'll read. this one is a keeper! this book was a frrreee for my new membership several years ago, an is a "go-to "when I need a short listen to pass the time doing mundane house chores.

Very Excelant

A very great book! I highly recomend it to any one that is interested in History and the Civil Rights movement. Frederick Douglass's Life is a great example of what someone can acomplish through perseverence.

Good book, narrator needs coaching

Having just finished a book on Abraham Lincoln and slavery, I found this book to be much more enjoyable and understandable than I otherwise would have. The life story of Frederick Douglass is tragic and triumphant. He was a true hero to the people of this country during the pivotal years between 1845 and 1870 or thereabouts. He was so important in the crusade to liberate the slaves both before and after gaining his own freedom. Once that was achieve, he worked tirelessly to help the blacks achieve a level of equality that they struggled to win. He was a great role model to them and to everyone. He never backed down.

The book is written for young people and is easily understood. My one big complaint is that the narrator, in spite of having a great voice and speaking clearly, did a horrible job with proper inflections. I found myself thinking, "now wait. . . . What did he just say/mean?" But I also found myself crying over the horrendous treatment Frederick and his fellow slaves endured at the hands of cruel task masters. I highly recommend this book, but be sure you are knowledgeable about Lincoln and the slave issue before you listen to it.

A Biography for a Wide Range of Ages

Would you listen to Sterling Biographies again? Why?

I enjoyed the Simple tone and style of the writing. I found myself wanting to read the book though instead of listen to it. I found the narrator read very slowly and with an affect to his voice that I found annoying at times. I appreciated the ability to overview the book and will probably use the book in my classroom as a result.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I enjoyed learning about Frederick Douglass and his determination in the society that was deteremined to see him as an underling.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The reading was slow and therefore it was easy to understand, but many times I found myself losing attention because I was so annoyed with the reading style. I tried speeding up the recording playback but it ended up sounded wierd in another way.

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

I've listened to it in several pieces and finally gave up and purchased a written version. I plan on finished it on my own.

Children's biography!

This is a biography for children. I heard it say audiblekids when I started the book. It would have been nice if it would have explained that here in the description. It was written and read for children. It is about a third or fourth grade level and the reader enunciates each word!