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Frederick Douglass

Prophet of Freedom

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Frederick Douglass

By: David W. Blight
Narrated by: Prentice Onayemi
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About this listen

 * Selected as One of the Best Books of the 21st Century by The New York Times * Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in History *

“Extraordinary…a great American biography” (The New Yorker) 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. 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, using his own story to condemn slavery. By the Civil War, Douglass had become the most famed and widely travelled orator in the nation. In his unique and eloquent voice, written and spoken, Douglass was a fierce critic of the United States as well as a radical patriot. After the war 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 “cinematic and deeply engaging” (The New York Times Book Review) 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’s newspapers. “Absorbing and even moving…a brilliant book that speaks to our own time as well as Douglass’s” (The Wall Street Journal), Blight’s biography tells the fascinating story of Douglass’s two marriages and his complex extended family. “David Blight has written the definitive biography of Frederick Douglass…a powerful portrait of one of the most important American voices of the nineteenth century” (The Boston Globe).

In addition to the Pulitzer Prize, Frederick Douglass won the Bancroft, Parkman, Los Angeles Times (biography), Lincoln, Plutarch, and Christopher awards and was named one of the Best Books of 2018 by The New York Times Book Review, The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, The Chicago Tribune, The San Francisco Chronicle, and Time. Americas Black & African American Cultural & Regional Historical United States Biography Capitalism Civil War War Suffrage Abraham Lincoln Equality Africa Social justice Socialism
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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.

one of the best American biographies

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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.

Can we talk about the narrator

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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.

Magnificent

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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.

An extraordinary story beautifully told

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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.

Powerful story of a Towering Figure

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