Frederick Douglass
Prophet of Freedom
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Frederick Douglass
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Narrated by:
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Prentice Onayemi
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By:
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David W. Blight
About this listen
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 & SchusterListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about Frederick Douglass
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mr
- 17-09-19
Can we talk about the narrator
Stunning narration. The best I have ever heard. Some reviews on here are criticizing the narrator for the drama and passion but I don't understand these people. Outstanding performance. I will definitely be investigating what other audio books are available from this narrator.
The book itself is top draw. I found Blight on YouTube in his Yale lecture series on the Civil War which I have gone through 5 times, so for me getting this book was a no brainer. He doesn't disappoint, this is great biography. In the book you can occasionally hear little Blightisms come through, especially when the book's attention shifts to Douglass' wife. Loved it.
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- Martin L. Meenagh
- 24-08-19
one of the best American biographies
This was a fantastic book and audio book. On its own, it revives one of the greatest men of the nineteenth century, reminds us of half forgotten parts of history, and speaks to all subsequent American politics. The book's wonderful prose flows beautifully, the subject is fascinating, and the performance on the audio is superb. Excellent stuff.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Malcolm
- 28-01-21
Powerful story of a Towering Figure
Beautifully read account of the life of Frederick Douglas, the voice of the freed slaves and abolitionist in the Gilded Age. Weaves his story with the story of abolition, the Civil War and reconstruction and explains much of the issues faced by black leaders to this day.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Your mom
- 23-03-20
Magnificent
Incredible in scope and detail and an honest look at Fred Douglass' life, Prentice Onayemi narration is done with such poise and eloquence very much like book's subject.
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- Amazon Customer
- 03-04-23
Very important material
Must read for every American.
This book discusses the political environment surrounding the Civil War as much as it discusses Fredrick Douglas. With political activism being Douglas' life work, and with Douglas playing such a central role in Abolitionist campaigning, he inevitably came into contact with (or provides opinions about) many of the most influential players of the Civil War and Reconstruction Eras. This provides a first hand account of many significant political events during Douglas' lifetime, and his views about them. If you want to understand African American history and the trajectory of racial relations after the Civil War, this book will serve you well.
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- Honest John
- 04-05-21
Absolutely immense
Fred gets my vote for the greatest American that ever lived. Great writer, good story and well narrated.
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- HEB
- 01-01-23
An extraordinary story beautifully told
This is a book that everyone should read or listen to. An inspiring story that not only gives you insight into a remarkable man but also helps you understand how much further we need to travel to reach the world that Douglass envisioned.
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