Former slave, impassioned abolitionist, brilliant writer, newspaper editor, and eloquent orator whose speeches fired the abolitionist cause, Fredrick Douglass (1818-1895) led an astounding life. Physical abuse, deprivation and tragedy plagued his early years, yet through sheer force of character her was able to overcome these obstacles to become a leading spokesman for his people. In this, the first and most frequently read of his three autobiographies, Douglass provides graphic descriptions of his childhood and horrifying experiences as a slave as well as harrowing record of this dramatic escape to the North and eventual freedom.

Published in 1845 to quell doubts about his origins - since few slaves of that period could write - the Narrative is admired today for its extraordinary passion, sensitive and vivid descriptions and storytelling power. It belongs in the library of anyone interested in African-American history and the life of the country's most courageous and influential champions of civil rights. Reprint of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, The Anti-Slavery Office, Boston, 1845.

Dover Classics paperback