The Complete Works (ePub)

Frederick Douglass (circa 1818 - February 20, 1895) was an American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. Born into slavery in Maryland, Douglass escaped in 1838 and rose to become a preeminent advocate for the abolition of slavery and for social justice. His eloquence as a speaker and writer was profound and influential in promoting the cause of abolition. Douglass's own experience of bondage lent a poignant, authoritative gravitas to his speeches and writings. His best-known works include his first autobiography, 'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave' (1845), which became an inspirational and foundational text of the abolitionist movement. In his lifetime, Douglass produced three versions of his autobiography, charting his evolution as a thinker and activist. His last autobiography, 'Life and Times of Frederick Douglass,' was published in 1881 and later revised in 1892, providing a comprehensive view of his life. His extensive writings addressed not only the plight of African Americans but also explored themes of democracy, individual rights, and the nature of freedom. As a pioneering African American intellectual, Douglass's contributions to American literature and culture are vast. In 'The Complete Works of Frederick Douglass,' we find a compilation of his life's work that reflects his unyielding commitment to the abolition of slavery and equality for all. His literary style combines stirring rhetoric with a narrative power that vividly captures the human condition under slavery and the indomitable spirit of resistance.