NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS: AN AMERICAN SLAVE

By Frederick Douglass, An American Slave Written by Himself
New York: Signet Class, New American Library, 1966. From the original of 1845
115 pagess

Comments by Bob Corbett
September 2008

This is a brilliant testimony of an important American, a classic written by an escaped slave, an important figure in the anti slavery movement and a recognized American diplomat.

The touching story traces his life from his birth into slavery in the American south of 1817, sold and transferred to Baltimore, once again moved south and finally escaping slavery to become the reknowned spokesman he was.

Douglass’s story is emotionally powerful and the afterword a blistering critique of “American Christianity” – a Christianity which accepted slavery – is a devastating argument.

Slavery is long past, but the cultural acceptance of the mindset of too much of slavery lingers on. This is a work which should be read by every person of good will believing in the universal worth of every human being.

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