Frederick Douglass

One of the most memorable speeches in American history, Frederick Douglass's What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? is now available in an elegant hardcover edition. Douglass first delivered the famous speech on July 5, 1852, to the Rochester Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society. After paying respect to the patriotic architects of America's independence, Douglass exposed the hypocrisy of a nation that enshrined the inalienable rights of man yet enslaved millions. The signing of the Declaration of Independence was meaningless to slaves, Douglass argued, and the annual celebration of a freedom not afforded to them was the worst possible insult. Throughout the speech, Douglass directly quoted passages from the Declaration of Independence, the U. S. Constitution, and the Bible to support his argument that slavery must be abolished in the United States. Douglass was especially critical of the faith leaders in America that used the church to justify slavery rather than to spearhead positive societal change. Despite Douglass's condemnation of the institutions that protected slavery, the speech also emphasized America's young age and her potential to change for the better. In keeping with this belief in an America that would one day guarantee freedom for all, Douglass delivered "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" to audiences nationwide in the decade preceding the Civil War. Famous figures such as James Earl Jones, Morgan Freeman, and Douglass's descendants have performed small sections of the hour-long speech. Abridged editions of the speech are also disseminated for educational purposes. Because "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?" is an incredibly nuanced speech, it is often misrepresented or shared out of context. Now you can read the speech as it was meant to be experienced, in its entirety. Frederick Douglass's most famous speech is as relevant today as when it was first delivered in 1852. A defining document of the United States, What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July? is essential reading for all Americans.

Families trapped in poverty and systemic injustices. Children denied civil rights because of race. A nation with immense potential for freedom spiraling into prejudice, violence, and hate. The country Frederick Douglass knew over one-hundred years ago is strikingly similar to the one we live in today. The truth, lessons, and hope he offered during his remarkable lifetime not only helped shape Abraham Lincoln's presidency and the American Civil Rights movement, they can guide and inspire us in our own cultural moment. Born into slavery in 1818, Douglass escaped to New York City at the age of twenty, determined to tell his story and fight for the rights of all men and women to be free. His first autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, remains one of the most influential books of modern times, as captivating and stirring now as it was when it was first published in 1845. This new edition of Douglass's world-changing work includes intimate reflections from modern-day leaders, a foreword and photograph section from Douglass's direct descendants, and a timeline beginning in 1619 with an emphasis on Douglass's life and family. Whether you are interested in the history of the abolitionist movement and the Civil War, committed to the cause of abolishing modern-day slavery, or need renewed vigor to fight for human rights today, this timeless book will equip and inspire you to follow your passions, knowing that even against all odds, one person can change the world.

My Bondage and My Freedom is an autobiographical slave narrative written by Frederick Douglass and published in 1855. It is the second of three autobiographies written by Douglass, and is mainly an expansion of his first, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. The book depicts in greater detail his transition from bondage to liberty. Following this liberation, Douglass went on to become a prominent abolitionist, speaker, author, and advocate for women's rights. The book included an introduction by James McCune Smith, who Douglass called the "foremost black influence" of his life. The life of Frederick Douglass, recorded in the pages which follow, is not merely an example of self-elevation under the most adverse circumstances; it is, moreover, a noble vindication of the highest aims of the American anti-slavery movement. The real object of that movement is not only to disenthrall, it is, also, to bestow upon the Negro the exercise of all those rights, from the possession of which he has been so long debarred.

Prenez une carte d'Am rique, tats-Unis. Cherchez l' tat de Maryland; vous trouverez, pr s d'Easton, comt de Talbot, un petit district maigrement peupl , lequel n'a de remarquable que l'aridit de son sol, la d gradation de ses fermes, la ruine de ses cl tures, la noblesse de ses habitants, leur indigence, et la fi vre perp tuit . C'est l , dans ce plat territoire bord par le Choptank, la plus paresseuse comme la plus fangeuse des rivi res; entour d'une population blanche toujours oisive et constamment ivre; au milieu de n gres esclaves en parfaite harmonie avec ce bas niveau; c'est l que, sans qu'il y e t de ma faute, je vis le jour...

After ten years of reflection following his legal emancipation in 1846 and his break with his mentor William Lloyd Garrison, ex-slave Frederick Douglass's second autobiography catapulted Douglass into the international spotlight as the foremost spokesman for American blacks, both freed and slave. My Bondage and My Freedom, written during his celebrated career as a speaker and newspaper editor, reveals the author of the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (1845) as more mature, forceful, analytical, and complex, with a deeper commitment to the fight for equal rights and liberties.

Renowned activist and orator Frederick Douglass delivered his "Composite Nation" speech throughout the country from 1869-1875, sharing his ardent vision of a future America that would draw strength from diversity. Central to the speech is Douglass's unambiguous support for Chinese immigration and citizenship. Other then-radical ideas examined in "Composite Nation"--universal human rights, religious liberty, and more--continue to resonate with modern activists. Frederick Douglass (c. 1818-1895) was an abolitionist, social reformer, orator, and writer. One of the most influential Americans of the nineteenth century, Douglass was known for his rhetorical brilliance. Douglass's speeches drew large audiences nationwide, and his first autobiography is considered the most famous narrative by a former slave. David W. Blight is the author or editor of over a dozen books, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom and annotated editions of Douglass's first two autobiographies. At Yale University, Blight is Sterling Professor of History and Director of the Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition. "The voice of civilization speaks an unmistakable language against the isolation of families, nations and races, and pleads for composite nationality as essential to her triumphs." --Frederick Douglass

Life of slave forms a very captivating study of human emotions of rejection, repression, sadness and surrender to destiny. It brings to light how barbaric humans as a species can be and have been. The heart-wrenching yet a brave book by Frederick Douglass, that inspires one that whatever the situation might be, it is only one's faith, hope and determination that sees one through the darkest of times. The journey of none other than slave, who went on to claim his life back from the society and its evils. A great read, even in today's times when the word slavery has become obsolete, but the scars of which are still raw.

"My Bondage and My Freedom," authored by means of the legendary abolitionist and previous enslaved character Frederick Douglass, is a powerful autobiographical account that chronicles his superb journey from bondage to freedom. This seminal painting is a poignant testomony to Douglass's unwavering commitment to justice and equality. The narrative begins with Douglass's youth as a slave on a Maryland plantation, where he continued the brutalities and dehumanizing situations of slavery. Through his tenacious pursuit of expertise and training, Douglass ultimately escapes to the North, in which he turns into an outstanding figure in the abolitionist motion. In "My Bondage and My Freedom," Douglass no longer handiest stocks his personal story but additionally offers critical insights into the broader troubles of race, slavery, and the warfare for freedom. He eloquently condemns the hypocrisy of a kingdom that espouses liberty while condoning slavery. Douglass's narrative is a compelling exploration of identification, self-discovery, and the long-lasting combat for justice. He emphasizes the transformative power of training and the significance of self-emancipation. His paintings serves as a beacon of wish and inspiration for generations, hard readers to confront the injustices of the beyond and paintings toward a greater equitable destiny.

This is the story of Frederick Douglass, who was born into slavery. He was hardly allowed to have any contact with his mother, Harriet Bailey. She died when he was about ten years old. He lived with his maternal grandmother, Betty Bailey. After a first attempt to escape failed, he borrowed a sailor's letter of protection in 1838. With this he managed to escape to freedom; he went to New York. Both in the USA and in the wider English-speaking world, as well as on the European mainland, enormous importance was and is attached to the work. Gr ls Classics - English Edition

This is the story of Frederick Douglass, who was born into slavery. He was hardly allowed to have any contact with his mother, Harriet Bailey. She died when he was about ten years old. He lived with his maternal grandmother, Betty Bailey. After a first attempt to escape failed, he borrowed a sailor's letter of protection in 1838. With this he managed to escape to freedom; he went to New York. Both in the USA and in the wider English-speaking world, as well as on the European mainland, enormous importance was and is attached to the work. Gr ls Classics - English Edition

While residing in Lynn, Massachusetts, famous orator and former slave Frederick Douglass penned Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass in 1845 as a memoir and abolitionist dissertation. It is sometimes regarded as the best-known of several accounts by former slaves that were published about the same time. The poem recounts his life experiences in precise detail and is regarded as one of the works of literature that had the greatest impact on the American abolitionist movement in the early 19th century. Eleven chapters make up Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, which details Douglass's time spent as a slave and his aspirations to be set free. There are two forewords by prominent white abolitionists: a letter by Wendell Phillips and a preface by William Lloyd Garrison, both of which support the accuracy of the tale and the author's literacy. On May 1st, 1845, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass was released, and 5,000 copies had been sold. Nearly 30,000 copies had been sold by 1860. He left Lynn, Massachusetts after the book was published and spent two years sailing to England and Ireland out of concern that his owner in the United States would try to get him back.

Born on a Maryland plantation, Frederick Douglass—born Frederick Baily—doesn’t know the year of his birth. Separated from his mother in infancy, he sees her only a few times, always at night, before she dies. At the age of seven or eight, Frederick’s mistress starts teaching him to read, until her furious husband forbids it. Frederick realizes then that reading is his path to freedom and determines to run away to the Northern United States—whatever the cost. In addition to the original text, this volume also includes eleven selected essays and speeches, among them the famous “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” (1852)

Born on a Maryland plantation, Frederick Douglass—born Frederick Bailey—doesn’t know the year of his birth. Separated from his mother in infancy, he sees her only a few times, always at night, before she dies. At the age of seven or eight, Frederick’s mistress begins teaching him to read, until her furious husband forbids it. Frederick realizes then that reading is his path to freedom, and he determines to run away to the northern United States—whatever the cost. In addition to the original text, this volume also includes 11 selected essays and speeches, among them the famous “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” (1852)

Frederick Douglass, the renowned nineteenth-century orator, editor, publisher, and statesman, was born into slavery in Maryland and escaped in 1838. He quickly became a national leader of the abolitionist movement to which he contributed an unrivaled body of speeches and writings that challenged America to live up to its founding ideals. In his most famous work, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave (1845) he details his path from slavery to freedom in a vivid and engrossing story. The book is both a memoir and a powerful polemic on justice and is considered a foundational text in the creation of American identity. Douglass was larger than life: a principled critic of the United States, a vocal patriot, a mirror to his society, and a prophet of a better future yet to come. He unflinchingly upheld the values of the U. S. Constitution and human rights in ways that resonate for anyone fighting for freedom, equality, and democracy. This Warbler Classics edition includes a new introduction by Ulrich Baer and an extensive biographical timeline.