Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (AmazonClassics Edition)

By: Frederick Douglass

Narrated by: JD Jackson

Length: 4 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Frederick Douglass’s celebrated memoir is among the most influential works of the nineteenth-century abolitionist movement in the United States. Beginning with his birth on a Maryland plantation in 1818, Douglass’s account records the tyranny and brutality of his life in slavery until his ultimate escape to New Bedford, Massachusetts, at the age of twenty.

Published in 1845—just seven years after his escape—Douglass’s narrative sold five thousand copies in its first four months in print. His story’s impact—then and now—makes Douglass a key figure in the fight for African American freedom and equality in the United States.

Revised edition: Previously published as Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, this edition of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (AmazonClassics Edition) includes editorial revisions.

Public Domain (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved

A classic of American and World literature

Exceptional in every way, and what a magisterial reading. I almost had the feeling I was listening to Frederick Douglass himself telling the great and arduous story of his epic life.

Great read

Mr Douglass had great patience until he was able to attain his freedom! Reminds of the story ‘12 Years a Slave’, another great read!!

Phenomenon Audio

this Autobiography has left me speechless!! Black people HAS SUFFERED SO MUCH at the hand of All HUMAN RACE, PARTICULARLY AND MORE DIRECTLY BY WHITE AMERICA until its left my soul feel quite bitter towards them all! But just as CHRIST forgave me even so I forgive

Shocking but captivating!

Interesting way to get history lesson. Felt like we were having a disturbingly intimate conversation.

Perseverance

Listening to this book was painful. I cried and I cried and I cried. Some parts (like where Mr. Douglas described the ruthless beating of elderly women with sticks and straps) made me literally stop the book and just weep.

This book is an important read for anyone who is interested in actually being a person. I am inspired by Mr. Douglas’s will to carry on learning to read and write in the face of losing his actual life and livelihood. We say that stuff a lot today, about risk. Mr. Douglas risked it all AND he lost AND then he risked it all again for freedom.

I wonder if he knew the impact that his actions, words, and convictions would have on the world today. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to read this book. It was completely heart wrenching and awe inspiring. 10/10 must read.

This should be read by homeschoolers

Should we decide to bite the bullet and home school our son I would like him to read this book or listen to the audiobook.
It is nice and short only 4 and a half hours. But probably best for preteens and teenagers given the language and what Douglass hints at regarding slave masters and slave women.
What better description of slavery than the 1st hand account of someone who grew up as a slave.
There is a statue of Mr. Douglass not far from where we live and sadly the person in this book is not like what is portrayed in metal. The difference is nuanced.
The performance by the narrator is very good and I wonder if the gentleman is a voice actor as well.

Incredible history

Incredible and tragic history borne on the back of Mr Frederick Douglass and many others. Should be required reading

EPIC

Loved it. So important still. I felt like I was right there with him. Narration was good also.

Should be required reading for every American

I can't believe I never read this in high school or in college, and I was an English major.

A true blessing

This narrative is a true blessing. It serves as a remembrance of those who suffered, so that we could exist. I am truly grateful to Mr. Douglass. His words & depictions, aid our understanding, of the endurance of the enslaved. Let us never forget their sacrifice!