Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass


Read by Jeanette Ferguson

(4.6 stars; 319 reviews)

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass is a memoir and treatise on abolition written by famous orator and ex-slave, Frederick Douglass. It is generally held to be the most famous of a number of narratives written by former slaves during the same period. In factual detail, the text describes the events of his life and is considered to be one of the most influential pieces of literature to fuel the abolitionist movement of the early 19th Century in the United States. (Summary by Jeanette) (4 hr 2 min)

Chapters

Preface 20:21 Read by Jeanette Ferguson
Letter from Wendell Phillips, ESQ. 7:01 Read by Jeanette Ferguson
Chapter I 11:50 Read by Jeanette Ferguson
Chapter II 11:55 Read by Jeanette Ferguson
Chapter III 8:36 Read by Jeanette Ferguson
Chapter IV 9:19 Read by Jeanette Ferguson
Chapter V 9:23 Read by Jeanette Ferguson
Chapter VI 7:41 Read by Jeanette Ferguson
Chapter VII 14:17 Read by Jeanette Ferguson
Chapter VIII 11:55 Read by Jeanette Ferguson
Chapter IX 12:45 Read by Jeanette Ferguson
Chapter X 1:13:54 Read by Jeanette Ferguson
Chap XI 30:53 Read by Jeanette Ferguson
Appendix 12:55 Read by Jeanette Ferguson

Reviews

Provocative and Inspirational


(5 stars)

The middle section of the book was hard to put down. The book does not include his version of his escape which was the only thing that was lacking. (That he told publicly years later when he felt it was then permissible to do so without endangering or inhibiting others' freedom.) A horrific account of what happened but also inspiring given how resolute Frederick Douglass was. This should be a must read in schools as not to forget what people once went through, to inhibit something like it ever happening again, and to inspire others to live out truth, righteousness, and justice.

Great book


(4 stars)

This was a great book, showing perspective of what took place in times of slavery. The narrator was okay, she had a hard time with a few words and you could often hear noise in the background. Oddly around the end of chapter ten a portion of the recording is missing, but still a good listen. (I found a copy at Barnes & Nobles for about $8, and finished what was missing)

History from one who lived it, everyone should listen.


(5 stars)

There are 2 versions of this book on libivox, the other didn't download in complete - Truth in any color at any age is wonderful, so greatful for the reading; as to the other rude reviews they should be thankful they were able to hear it. As Mr. Douglass refer in God's providence that he kept him . check out more quotes of Fredrick Douglass teach your kids, learn from great men like him. America needs people like him today to speak, we still have people like him through their writing . it's called history, not revisionist history, but true history. That people don't know wisdom from him and men like him is sad, ignorance is not bliss, it is ignorant. The public school is a social experiment and a terrible babysitter, education, the lack of it is our problem. This kind of treatment of people still happens in many countries today. So greatful to know of Fredrick Douglass and to grow in knowledge and learn from history.

Important historical contribution, a must read.


(5 stars)

This detailed and informative narrative of the life of Frederick Douglas provides insight into how this very special person used his life to educate and inspire others on what someday will be possible. He was highly admired by some, while others felt suspect and conflicted. You can't go wrong with this book. Relax and enjoy.

great lessons


(5 stars)

I love this book so much. It has taught me that knowledge is powerful. I'm currently reading that book for the 4th time.

Love Narrator!


(5 stars)

Her voice was beautiful and consistent, did not ruin my head image of Frederick!

One of the best books available from Librivox and the Internet Archive


(5 stars)

Frederick Douglass's autobiography is one of the finest and most inspiring books in American literature. It is to Librivox's great credit that it has attracted a dedicated reader to make it more easily available to the public. I greatly enjoyed listening to this, reading along using a freely available text from the Gutenberg Project: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/23 I am often greatly surprised that so few people have read this book (as I was surprised in myself at having neglected it for so long). It was never a requirement in my schooling-- and I wonder how many Americans and others have become acquainted with it. I don't believe one can be more fully educated without having read this book (which becomes a greater pleasure to listen to as well). Frederick Douglass's story is one of great personal courage that transcends race, nationality or time. It describes the oppressive circumstances into which he was born and had to live, how he was helped and hindered, how he often had to rely on himself to learn, struggle, and fight back-- in the end, primarily through his words. His lessons are invaluable-- as is the service of making his autobiography more easily available to the world.

Great book destroyed by reader


(1 stars)

This book was a summer reading assignment for me AP Lang class. The book itself is outstanding and the writing beautifully crafted only to be butchered by the reader. I can get past the reader being the opposite gender of the narrator, having listed to opposite gendered readers have a extraordinary job, but she conveys no emotion in her tone. You can also hear her swallow and the saliva in her mouth as she reads which puts off wanting to continue through the book. Even thought this reading was free it would be worth the money to find a better reader.