Frederick Douglass

Prophet of Freedom

By: David W. Blight

Narrated by: Prentice Onayemi

Pulitzer Prize, History, 2019

The definitive, dramatic biography of the most important African American of the 19th century: Frederick Douglass, the escaped slave who became the greatest orator of his day and one of the leading abolitionists and writers of the era.

As a young man, Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) escaped from slavery in Baltimore, Maryland. He was fortunate to have been taught to read by his slave owner mistress, and he would go on to become one of the major literary figures of his time. He wrote three versions of his autobiography over the course of his lifetime and published his own newspaper. His very existence gave the lie to slave owners: with dignity and great intelligence, he bore witness to the brutality of slavery.

Initially mentored by William Lloyd Garrison, Douglass spoke widely, often to large crowds, using his own story to condemn slavery. He broke with Garrison to become a political abolitionist, a Republican, and eventually a Lincoln supporter. By the Civil War and during Reconstruction, Douglass became the most famed and widely traveled orator in the nation. He denounced the premature end of Reconstruction and the emerging Jim Crow era. In his unique and eloquent voice, written and spoken, Douglass was a fierce critic of the US as well as a radical patriot. He sometimes argued politically with younger African Americans, but he never forsook either the Republican party or the cause of Black civil and political rights.

In this remarkable biography, David Blight has drawn on new information held in a private collection that few other historian have consulted, as well as recently discovered issues of Douglass’ newspapers. Blight tells the fascinating story of Douglass’ two marriages and his complex extended family. Douglass was not only an astonishing man of words, but a thinker steeped in Biblical story and theology. There has not been a major biography of Douglass in a quarter century. David Blight’s Frederick Douglass affords this important American the distinguished biography he deserves.

©2018 David W. Blight (P)2018 Simon & Schuster

Marvelous bio

Marvelous bio. Especially appreciated African-American perspective on Civil War issues. Narration was bit slow but accellerating it to 1.25 speed corrected that.

Great!

This books shows an incredible man and his family life in a thought provoking way.

exceptional life

Although listening to the narrator made me believe I was watching a PBS documentary on panda bears, Frederick Douglas's life was exceptional. I could not wait to listen to the next chapter.

All in all

I love the way Blight tells complete stories, not afraid to criticize Douglass when appropriate. It helps Douglass’s brightness shine through more clearly. Those who quote one tiny aspect of Douglass’s sayings would benefit bigly (?) from reading this book. What an accomplishment, Mr. Blight! I also loved the subdued but stirring recording.

Great story and narration!

Moving, informative... and never more important than now. Wonderfully written and contextualized.
Buying for my grown kids and grandkids alike!

One of the BEST AUDIBLE BOOKS

There are not enough words of praise to describe this wonderful book! I will definitely read this book again. The narrator is excellent. Frederick Douglas would definitely approve!

A truly great man researched in minute detail.

This intimate biography is told in a way that puts you at the dinner table and in the parlor of the greatest US orator of the 19th Century.

Good but longgggg

Super detailed book - i gained a great appreciation for what it would have been like as a slave, being an 8-year old and being taken from your Mom and family and sold to some guy and made to work. Tragic.
Fredrick's triumphs and defeats really interesting.
Overall a good book but a little too long

Outstanding

This is an exceptional, excellent, wonderful biography of a great American. The reader is superior.

An Unsung hero

If you enjoy American history and you are interested in the struggle for equality of black Americans, you will enjoy this book immensely. Truly inspirational.