Up from Slavery: An Autobiography

By: Booker T. Washington

Narrated by: Rodney Louis Tompkins

Booker T. Washington’s 1901 autobiography can be read as a redemption story echoing many similar voices of its time. Starting from the humiliation he experienced as a slave, he ponders the meaning of identity in a situation that seeks to dehumanize. He furthers his story by expanding on his difficulties in obtaining an education and the need for change in our minds as well as societal structures.

Public Domain (P)2018 Museum Audiobooks

Great book

This gave me a perspective that I never thought I would have
Well worth your time Especially if you’re from West Virginia

True American Hero!

This perspective from a former slave should be required reading for all. Booker T Washington overcame immense obstacles working for the advancement of all in a time as divisive as ours. A true American hero!

The great human law that in the end recognizes and rewards merit is everlasting and universal.

The above quote from the closing of the book, shows the optimism and wisdom of this great man who was born a slave and through hard work and determination, became educated, started the Tuskegee institute in the heart of the south and became one of the most loved and admired men of his era. Admired by men and women of "both races" in the north and the south.

It interesting to see how he dealt with significant hardships and obstacles and maintained a possitive outlook, while describing conditions that are unimaginable today.

speech pattern distraction, great listen

this is a great story, a fascinating perspective on history, from a first person viewpoint. I believe the reader is attempting to imitate the speech pattern of Mr Washington. To my modern ear it is stilted and took me a while to get used to. once I adapted it was great, I could see myself sitting with him and listening.

The great book

Very informative I learned a lot from this book. The narrator did such a good job

A Dry Performance

I think it’s important to hear the perspective of one’s life written by the one who lived it. I don’t need a better understanding of Booker T. Washington and his accomplishments in the south and beyond. That said, the performance was very dry, which made it very difficult to listen in any long length of time.

Essential Reading for all Americans

Powerful and wise life lessons. His life proves again the value and potential we all possess. Perhaps he avoided bitterness and resentment because his masters were relatively just and he didn't learn it from his mother

Our Experience Listening to “Up From Slavery”

The story was wonderful and inspiring. We now have a new hero…Booker T Washington.
The narrator, however, was stiff and mechanical, which detracted from the book itself and it’s message.
We, who listened to this autobiography will always be in debt to this giant of a man, Mr. Washington.

Critical reading in 2020

I selected this Audible version due to the narrator's powerful and clear voice.

This should be required reading and at least a semester devoted to mining the great truths this former slave discovered in his amazingly productive and impactful life. Had his sage example and advice to both races been heeded, we would not be facing the racial issues we have today.

Great Autobiography

This is a very informative and inspirational autobiography. I listened to the audible version. I was amazed that any man could come from slavery and no education to the heights of Mr. Washington. His life experiences give us all hope that hard work and dedication to our goals can lead to success. His legacy of the Tuskegee Institute is an unbelievable accomplishment and we should all be proud of the work he and others did to build this institution. I found the book very informative and entertaining. I think others will find the book well worth their time to listen to on audible.