Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave

Came fast and in great condition

Compelling and sad. Makes you ashamed to be from a country that was a part of the machinery that allowed this to have happened. Makes you angry that that in the southern states or anywhere in the world, there are still those ignorant enough to believe in white supremacy - they are little people with low intellect. Frederick Douglass and his like show us what it is to be a real man; to live with real courage and real conviction

How can you not read this book if you want to know about the struggle against slavery in the USA? Frederick Douglass was a remarkable man, clear sighted and determined, and the only reservation I had was that he seemed to tone down his comments about the complicity of organized religion and most of its adherents in the maintenance of slavery. Perhaps he did that to try and build the anti-slavery movement but I cannot see that such backtracking can ever work. The Church of England owned slave plantations in the West Indies and the failure to confront such an abomination at the time just helped the C of E to continue to this day investing in the perpetuation of misery and the toleration of racism and other nasty attitudes amongst its congregations. Douglass was one step from castigating all religion as a sponsor of slavery, and he should have taken that step. Racism continues to this day in the USA as in Britain and, despite the role of non-conformist ministers in the Civil Rights movement, I'm sure most of the racist bigots today continue to go to church, and that their church happily accepts their presence. However, this tale of Frederick Douglass' long road to freedom is utterly moving and magnificent.

Hard to listen to, so hard in fact, I bought the Kindle version. Such a shame as I was looking forward to the audio version of this most important piece of literature.

I purchased this when the 'Black Lives Matter' protests kicked off, although I was brought up with a book that taught me 'ALL LIVES MATTER'.The book was discussed and revieved on a Melvyn Bragg radio program. It tells the story through the eyes of one who lived through the slave trade, not the Hollywood interpretation we see on the big screen.I would definitely recommend it.............but be warned some parts are not for the sqeamish as the book tells how it was and does not pull punches.

This turned out to be a fascinating, if painful journey of Frederick Douglass, born into American slavery during the 1800's.Frederick shows immense courage, enduring the harsh reality of every day life on his Master's farm. His fortitude of character and sharp perception give him the edge when it comes to dealing with unjust owners, and the desire for a better life keeps him striving towards an almost impossible dream - freedom.Written with a surprising eloquence and gentle honesty, Frederick reveals the shocking truth of the poor slave workers conditions, and just how far their 'respectable', often Christian white owners are prepared to go to keep it that way.I was left with a warmth and respect for this intelligent, inspiring man, who seemed to harbour no bitterness towards his fellow man, despite the barbarity he had both witnessed and endured. Frederick also helped fight the injustices of others, including the vote for women.A concise book of ninety nine pages, but well worth reading, and difficult to put down.

"Sincerely and earnestly hoping that this little book may do something toward throwing light on the American slave system, and hastening the glad day of deliverance to the millions of my brethren in bonds—faithfully relying upon the power of truth, love, and justice, for success in my humble efforts—and solemnly pledging my self anew to the sacred cause,—I subscribe myself, FREDERICK DOUGLASS LYNN, Mass., April 28, 1845"

I wanted to read this book, it had been recommended by an American friend who said that it was prescribed reading in US schools. I am writing a book about a mixed race person and wanted to gain some insight into what it was actually like for real people living as slaves on the plantations.The narrative is extremely well written, had Frederick Douglass had a modern education he may have had an academic career; however Black people would not have had him to speak up for the unbelievable cruelty which slaves had to endure. I knew that slaves were whipped but not to the extent and certainly not in the ways described by him.The book was excellent in regard to value and I will read it again in the future.His narrative is such an influence that many Academics have studied it and at the start of the book there are many comments which should be read again after completing the reading of it.