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by Frederick Douglass (Author), George L. Ruffin (Introduction by)
Frederick Douglass, who was born into slavery around 1818, is best known for his role in bringing the harsh realities of slavery to the attention of white Americans. After escaping from slavery himself, Frederick Douglas also became a living proof of the falsehood of common claims (in that day) that black Americans were intellectually inferior to whites. His early life story of struggle for individual escape from slavery, attempts to educate himself and take an active political role on the slavery question rightly thrilled audiences in the United States and Europe. A personal acquaintance of Harriet Beecher Stowe and abolitionist John Brown, Douglass was instrumental in calling for the creation of the famous Massachusetts 54th Regiment. The result was 200,000 black soldiers and sailors fighting, undeterred by the "penalty of death" from the rebels. "The Life and Times of Frederick Douglas" is his story, the story of an American abolitionist, women's suffragist, editor, orator, author, statesman and reformer. Called "The Sage of Anacostia" and "The Lion of Anacostia," Douglass is one of the most prominent figures in African American and United States history. As an ex-slave and American who still suffered from racial discrimination, Frederick Douglass had every opportunity and reason to be bitter or vengeful. As detailed in "The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass," he instead chose to fight (with his intellect and golden tongue) for what he and others chained in slavery and social subservience rightfully disserved as a members of the human race. He also refused to engage in prejudice himself, judging men one at a time, regardless of race. A man of conviction and inner strength, Frederick Douglass taught himself to write with elegance, power, and style. As "The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass" so clearly shows, he was a terrific role model...a man of integrity, incredible intelligence, and an overflowing heart.
