Slave and Citizen: The Life of Frederick Douglass

Library of American Biography

by Nathan Irvin Huggins, Oscar Handlin (Editor)

Portrays the life of the fugitive slave, abolitionist, and diplomat, paying attention to the meaning of freedom in America during the Civil War era and Douglass' significance to the struggle for human and civil rights

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction

193 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Nathan Irvin Huggins was W. E. B. Du Bois Professor of History and of Afro-American Studies at Harvard University as well as director of the W. E. B. Du Bois Institute for Afro-American Research.

Reviews

[Shelby Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book was incredibly dry. I’m not sure what I expected from a historical account written on a 7-9th grade level, but I don’t think it was this. My major complaint was the appearance of bias from the author. Abraham Lincoln was villainized, and other leaders of the same era and disposition were praised, or at the very least, excused. I did not enjoy this book.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned that it is important to continue reading about past mistakes that the world has made. Considering the lives of those captured in slavery made me sad and at the same time full of disgust for those who practiced it. Everytime I learn about inhumanity I am first shocked and my ignorance of it and secondly shocked at how inhumanity continues in this world... unnoticed by so many. I learned so much about the strife of African slaves in the united states. The real images portrayed in the book were so powerful. I was so impressed by Douglass who's purpose in writing the book was not self importance but encouraging abolitionists. He had pure motives and a supreme desire to explain the truth of slavery. I believe while this book is sad and thought provoking it is a story of hope. I look at it and see how far we have come. It makes me see more clearly the injustice of todays world and look forward to the future with hope. I reccommend this book to those that are discouraged with today's world. Those who say that the world is a bad place and getting worse. Douglass' book is a call to action. It makes me think about what is wrong with the world and want to improve it.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frederick Douglas is a man of the people both white and black and should be appreciated. This man started from humbles begining of slaverly and worked to top of society to help not only blacks but women as well. I admire this guy so much. This is a must read.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Portrays the life of the fugitive slave, abolitionist, and diplomat, paying attention to the meaning of freedom in America during the Civil War era and Douglass' significance to the struggle for human and civil rights.

[Shaylah · Rating 4 out of 5]

fascinating look at life of Douglass.