My Bondage and My Freedom

by Fredrick Douglass

Born a slave, Douglass became outspoken force in antislavery movement. The best of Douglass's autobiographies. Graphic description of slave life.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography, Memoir, Race, Politics

Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2017

Reviews

[Ngetich Kipruto]

We raise de wheat,
Dey gib us de corn;
We bake de bread,
Dey gib us de cruss;
We sif de meal,
Dey gib us de huss;
We peal de meat,
Dey gib us de skin,
And dat's de way
Dey takes us in.
We skim de pot,
Dey gib us the liquor,
And say dat's good enough for nigger.
Walk over! walk over!
Tom butter and de fat;
Poor nigger you can't get over dat;
Walk over!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always known that there were a lot of similarities between the efforts to abolish slavery and to abolish abortion, but I wasn't aware of just how similar they really are. This book strengthened my abolitionist convictions.

This is essential reading for everyone, especially anyone who thinks there was a universal "mutual affection" between slaves and slave owners.

[Kyle Suratte · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Slavery blunts the edge of all our rebukes of tyranny abroad - the criticisms that we make upon other nations, only call forth ridicule, contempt, and scorn. In a word, we are made a reproach and a by-word to a mocking earth, and we must continue to be so made, so long as slavery continues to pollute our soil."

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

19th century prose won't earn 5 stars from me; however, content of this nature earns a mere 5 stars, because the app won't allow me to reward 10. This is an important book, not just as a historical narrative of the American slave experience, but as a study of the roots of the systemic racism we experience today.

[Jamie McIntire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. A must read.

[Cynthia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frederick Douglas should appear alongside George Washington and Abraham Lincoln on Mt. Rushmore. He is one of our greatest American statesmen who’s words really did change a nation. I don’t remember reading more than a few snippets of his speeches, if that, while in school… a travesty. Frederick Douglas’ narrative should be required reading for all school children. What better way to form the conscious of America than reading a first hand account of this amazing man’s life as a slave. His writing is so clear and matter of fact, no embellishments, no false indignation just a true, first hand account of his situation and the socio-economic structure in Eastern Shore Maryland that perpetuated slavery for some time. Most fascinating is how he is able to blend first hand experiences with observations about race prejudices that ring true to this day. Not going to lie, I am now a bit of a fan girl…time to learn more about this Great American!

[Emily Deane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic!

[Julian Giordano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every person needs to read this book.

[Allison Severson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most impactful books of my college education. Reminded of that by the HBO doc on him as an orator. Thank you to my US history professor at TCU.

[Jan Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that is important to read

[Shirls Congleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parts are hard to read; the abuse and lack of humanity is hard to swallow. Good read.