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The Life of Frederick Douglass: A Graphic Narrative of an Extraordinary Life
A graphic novel biography of the escaped slave, abolitionist, public speaker, and most photographed man of the nineteenth century, based on his autobiographical writings and speeches, spotlighting the key events and people that shaped the life of this great American.
Recently returned to the cultural spotlight, Frederick Douglass's impact on American history is felt even in today's current events. Comic book writer and filmmaker David F. Walker joins with the art team of Damon Smyth and Marissa Louise to bring the long, exciting, and influential life of Douglass to life in comic book form. Taking you from Douglass's life as a young slave through his forbidden education to his escape and growing prominence as a speaker, abolitionist, and influential cultural figure during the Civil War and beyond, Frederick Douglass presents a complete illustrated portrait of the man who stood up and spoke out for freedom and equality. Along the way, special features provide additional background on the history of slavery in the United States, the development of photography (which would play a key role in the spread of Douglass's image and influence), and the Civil War. Told from Douglass's point of view and based on his own writings.
Recently returned to the cultural spotlight, Frederick Douglass's impact on American history is felt even in today's current events. Comic book writer and filmmaker David F. Walker joins with the art team of Damon Smyth and Marissa Louise to bring the long, exciting, and influential life of Douglass to life in comic book form. Taking you from Douglass's life as a young slave through his forbidden education to his escape and growing prominence as a speaker, abolitionist, and influential cultural figure during the Civil War and beyond, Frederick Douglass presents a complete illustrated portrait of the man who stood up and spoke out for freedom and equality. Along the way, special features provide additional background on the history of slavery in the United States, the development of photography (which would play a key role in the spread of Douglass's image and influence), and the Civil War. Told from Douglass's point of view and based on his own writings.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2019
35 people are currently reading
868 people want to read
About the author
David F. Walker
292 books279 followersDavid F. Walker is a writer, filmmaker, and award-winning journalist. He teaches Writing For Comics at Portland State University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
July 25, 2019
This graphic narrative starts with the birth of Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, later Frederick Douglass by his own choice, into slavery in 1818 on the Eastern Shore (of Maryland) and ends with his death 77 years later (1895) of a heart attack, after attending and receiving a standing ovation at a meeting of the National Council of Women. Douglass wrote three versions of his autobiography and David F. Walker tells his story from Douglas' point of view and by paraphrasing, for the most part, excerpts from Douglas' writings and speeches.
See Penguin House's bio page on David F. Walker, best known as a comic book writer, including Shaft: A Complicated Man.
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/au...
Walker had to make a great many tough choices of what to bring in and what to leave out, given the wealth of original sources and his subject's meaningful accomplishments. The finished work reveals on every page the respect with which he approached those choices, and in the end, he makes Frederick Douglass real to the contemporary reader -- his early experiences of the dehumanizing condition of being enslaved, including being separated from his mother at a young age -- as well as his-post-freedom efforts to make America live up to its promise, challenging the status quo, taking on those roles which made him forever famous and forever central to the 19th century story of America. Social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman.
As with Congressman John Lewis' March Trilogy (March: Book One, March: Book Two and March: Book Three), the graphic biography format makes history and key historical leaders accessible to a wider audience and makes learning that history more likely to appeal to readers who might not necessarily make it through 2018's ambitious, 912 page achievement, Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom. That includes me - I was and still am keenly interested in learning about Douglass but I lack the bandwidth (and will) to commit to a door-stopper. Enter my library which tempted me with this offering, and my decision to check it out followed by roughly 5 - 7 seconds. I read this book over two days and highly recommend it. The artwork is dynamic and, for me, a non-expert when it comes to graphic novels, the allocation of its real estate devoted to words vs art is perfect.
There are more heart-wrenching moments than satisfying ones in this book, but then Douglass's work is not yet complete and for every accomplishment, there remains so much more to press on and fight to solve. If you're a reader interested in its subject matter, in civil rights, in American history, or in the personal story of a revered historical icon, The Life of Frederick Douglass should be on your short list.
See Penguin House's bio page on David F. Walker, best known as a comic book writer, including Shaft: A Complicated Man.
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/au...
Walker had to make a great many tough choices of what to bring in and what to leave out, given the wealth of original sources and his subject's meaningful accomplishments. The finished work reveals on every page the respect with which he approached those choices, and in the end, he makes Frederick Douglass real to the contemporary reader -- his early experiences of the dehumanizing condition of being enslaved, including being separated from his mother at a young age -- as well as his-post-freedom efforts to make America live up to its promise, challenging the status quo, taking on those roles which made him forever famous and forever central to the 19th century story of America. Social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman.
As with Congressman John Lewis' March Trilogy (March: Book One, March: Book Two and March: Book Three), the graphic biography format makes history and key historical leaders accessible to a wider audience and makes learning that history more likely to appeal to readers who might not necessarily make it through 2018's ambitious, 912 page achievement, Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom. That includes me - I was and still am keenly interested in learning about Douglass but I lack the bandwidth (and will) to commit to a door-stopper. Enter my library which tempted me with this offering, and my decision to check it out followed by roughly 5 - 7 seconds. I read this book over two days and highly recommend it. The artwork is dynamic and, for me, a non-expert when it comes to graphic novels, the allocation of its real estate devoted to words vs art is perfect.
There are more heart-wrenching moments than satisfying ones in this book, but then Douglass's work is not yet complete and for every accomplishment, there remains so much more to press on and fight to solve. If you're a reader interested in its subject matter, in civil rights, in American history, or in the personal story of a revered historical icon, The Life of Frederick Douglass should be on your short list.
August 25, 2019
What graphic novels do best, is open literature and ideas up to a wider audience, an audience that might never pick up a book that was filled with just words alone. Graphic novels may have an easier entry point, but they can and have in the past 30 years or so that they have become popular, been able to tell stories that would not work in a simple print medium.
In his lifetime, Frederick Douglass his autobiography three different times, in three different books. He knew the power of words, and wrote his first autobiography because no one believed he was an escaped slave, that no slave could speak so eloquently, or write so well.
According to this retelling of Mr. Douglass's life, he was the most photographed American man of the 19th century. That there are more pictures of him, than of Abraham Lincoln, a contemporary.
The graphic novel is written as though it is being told in Mr. Douglass's voice, which gets us closer to the subject.
I knew a little bit about Frederick Douglass before I read this, but didn't know that he knew Sojourner Truth, or Herriat Tubman. I did not know that he worked with Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton for women's right to vote, as he worked for black men to have the right to vote.
Very informative story, very well written and researched. A great starting point to anyone who is interested in knowing more about Frederick Douglass.
Thanks to Ten Speed Press and Penguin Random House for making this free review book available for an honest review.
In his lifetime, Frederick Douglass his autobiography three different times, in three different books. He knew the power of words, and wrote his first autobiography because no one believed he was an escaped slave, that no slave could speak so eloquently, or write so well.
According to this retelling of Mr. Douglass's life, he was the most photographed American man of the 19th century. That there are more pictures of him, than of Abraham Lincoln, a contemporary.
The graphic novel is written as though it is being told in Mr. Douglass's voice, which gets us closer to the subject.
I knew a little bit about Frederick Douglass before I read this, but didn't know that he knew Sojourner Truth, or Herriat Tubman. I did not know that he worked with Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton for women's right to vote, as he worked for black men to have the right to vote.
Very informative story, very well written and researched. A great starting point to anyone who is interested in knowing more about Frederick Douglass.
Thanks to Ten Speed Press and Penguin Random House for making this free review book available for an honest review.
December 26, 2018
My Canadian side is going to show in this review. I'd never heard of Frederick Douglass before this book showed up in my mailbox. I found this graphic novel to be enormously educational on the topics of slavery and the fight for emancipation.
I loved the format. Reading non-fiction as a graphic novel was a new experience that I loved. It provided an engrossing experience that made the story memorable. I really liked the artwork and the way the author set down the story. It was easy to follow and fascinating to read.
Frederick Douglass was a slave until he ran away from his owners as a young adult. He later gained freedom and used his superb writing and orating skills to help with the abolitionist movement and the suffrage movement. This book is the story of his life, told in words and pictures. As someone who knows little about slavery (I'm Canadian, remember? I didn't learn American history in school) this book was informative, captivating, and moving.
I finished the book with enormous respect for Frederick Douglass and all that he achieved in his life. I loved his passion and his purpose. I also really liked the pages of information placed in the book. Every now and then there were a couple of pages that delved deeper into topics like the timeline of slavery in the United States, photographs of Douglass, and information about the Civil War.
If you are looking for a stirring read, you'll want to add this book to your reading list. It's suitable for the YA crowd, ages 12-18 and offers an educational reading experience in a format that even reluctant readers can appreciate.
Content: This book deals with slavery, violence, cruelty, and abuse. There are no curse words that I can remember, but there is one instance of non-sexual partial nudity (but no "details" visible). If it were a movie it would be rated PG-13.
Source: The publisher sent me a copy of this book.
I loved the format. Reading non-fiction as a graphic novel was a new experience that I loved. It provided an engrossing experience that made the story memorable. I really liked the artwork and the way the author set down the story. It was easy to follow and fascinating to read.
Frederick Douglass was a slave until he ran away from his owners as a young adult. He later gained freedom and used his superb writing and orating skills to help with the abolitionist movement and the suffrage movement. This book is the story of his life, told in words and pictures. As someone who knows little about slavery (I'm Canadian, remember? I didn't learn American history in school) this book was informative, captivating, and moving.
I finished the book with enormous respect for Frederick Douglass and all that he achieved in his life. I loved his passion and his purpose. I also really liked the pages of information placed in the book. Every now and then there were a couple of pages that delved deeper into topics like the timeline of slavery in the United States, photographs of Douglass, and information about the Civil War.
If you are looking for a stirring read, you'll want to add this book to your reading list. It's suitable for the YA crowd, ages 12-18 and offers an educational reading experience in a format that even reluctant readers can appreciate.
Content: This book deals with slavery, violence, cruelty, and abuse. There are no curse words that I can remember, but there is one instance of non-sexual partial nudity (but no "details" visible). If it were a movie it would be rated PG-13.
Source: The publisher sent me a copy of this book.
June 25, 2022
Pretty entertaining. I have some books by and about Douglass which I'm going to read and do some fact checking before I give this a proper review.
May 6, 2020
I used to teach Life and Times of Frederick Douglass, but I’ve never read his other autobiographies. This feels like a collection of all of them. There is so much to take in: visually and emotionally. I think this is a great way to take in such a grand historical figure’s life. The illustrations bring all of the words to life in a way that brings the reader closer to the subject. I wish I would have had this a few years ago because there are many excerpts from the text that could be explored through the illustrations.
I will definitely keep it on my shelf for using in my classroom. I’m not sure if it is my old eyes, but the text felt difficult to read on the page. I found myself straining to see it - well worth the pain.
I will definitely keep it on my shelf for using in my classroom. I’m not sure if it is my old eyes, but the text felt difficult to read on the page. I found myself straining to see it - well worth the pain.
April 20, 2019
This two-fisted, dramatized biography of Frederick Douglass does a pretty good job of keeping the story flowing. The rough-hewn art really adds atmosphere even if it is lacking in authenticity (a poorly drawn axe and anachronistic cash register and revolving pistol stand out). A good introduction to an important figure in American history.
August 6, 2023
Douglass's story is compelling; the writing somewhat less so. It falls into blandness often for a tale so filled with violence, heroism, and righteous struggle.
The illustration is hit and miss. The monochrome backgrounds give a lot of pages a cheap or unfinished look but I loved the way people were drawn, particularly Douglass's craggy, care-worn, leonine features.
It is a fascinating trip through history and reminded me how little I actually know. Abraham Lincoln was not, in fact, the abolitionist candidate in 1860; that was Gerrit Smith, a Douglass friend and ally who had no chance of winning. Douglass's impression of Lincoln was one of ambivalence, that he was no ally of abolition and no friend of blacks (although to Lincoln's credit he turned out to be humble and persuadable despite his personal strength).
Douglass's interactions with other famous abolitionists reveal the fractures in the abolitionist community, the massive philosophical differences with which he struggled:
---William Lloyd Garrison, Douglass's mentor, believed that the problem of slavery was sourced in the Constitution. That the issue could only be resolved by peacefully dismantling and re-founding the United States without slavery. He and his protégé fell out because Douglass did not fault the Constitution but the immorality of those who enforced it. Douglass held that only bloodshed would end slavery.
---John Brown concluded that slaveholders had forfeited their right to live, and that violence against them was a moral mandate; Douglass broke with Brown only on the wisdom of attacking the federal government in order to gain weapons and foment rebellion. Brown eventually led an ill-advised and ill-fated attack on the Harper's Ferry federal arsenal in Virginia and was hanged for treason.
---Harriet Tubman highlighted for Douglass the difference between advocating for abolition and putting oneself in harm's way for it. He wrestled with how much of his chosen path was shrewd discretion and how much was cowardice.
Walker uses the declarations of seceding states and secessionist leaders to attack the Lost Cause retconning that has successfully, for many, reframed the Civil War as a struggle for "states' rights" and not a fight to preserve and enshrine chattel slavery.
The illustration is hit and miss. The monochrome backgrounds give a lot of pages a cheap or unfinished look but I loved the way people were drawn, particularly Douglass's craggy, care-worn, leonine features.
It is a fascinating trip through history and reminded me how little I actually know. Abraham Lincoln was not, in fact, the abolitionist candidate in 1860; that was Gerrit Smith, a Douglass friend and ally who had no chance of winning. Douglass's impression of Lincoln was one of ambivalence, that he was no ally of abolition and no friend of blacks (although to Lincoln's credit he turned out to be humble and persuadable despite his personal strength).
Douglass's interactions with other famous abolitionists reveal the fractures in the abolitionist community, the massive philosophical differences with which he struggled:
---William Lloyd Garrison, Douglass's mentor, believed that the problem of slavery was sourced in the Constitution. That the issue could only be resolved by peacefully dismantling and re-founding the United States without slavery. He and his protégé fell out because Douglass did not fault the Constitution but the immorality of those who enforced it. Douglass held that only bloodshed would end slavery.
---John Brown concluded that slaveholders had forfeited their right to live, and that violence against them was a moral mandate; Douglass broke with Brown only on the wisdom of attacking the federal government in order to gain weapons and foment rebellion. Brown eventually led an ill-advised and ill-fated attack on the Harper's Ferry federal arsenal in Virginia and was hanged for treason.
---Harriet Tubman highlighted for Douglass the difference between advocating for abolition and putting oneself in harm's way for it. He wrestled with how much of his chosen path was shrewd discretion and how much was cowardice.
Walker uses the declarations of seceding states and secessionist leaders to attack the Lost Cause retconning that has successfully, for many, reframed the Civil War as a struggle for "states' rights" and not a fight to preserve and enshrine chattel slavery.
"In every rebel state, slavery has proven itself to be stronger than the Union, stronger than the Constitution, and stronger than the political parties that vie for control of the government. We cannot restore the union or honor the Constitution if we continue to bow before the strongman that has brought both to its knees.
Let me be clear. The southern states that now call themselves the Confederacy are fighting for one thing, and one thing alone--they fight for slavery. It is the cornerstone upon which their society has been built. This cornerstone is formed by two steadfast ideas. First, that slavery is a right, and second, that slaveholders are superior to those they enslave.
Around these two ideas, the south has built a society and a way of life, that when challenged, they left the union, disregarded the Constitution, and fired the opening shots of this war. The union has been a casualty of this war. The Constitution has been a casualty of the war. But neither has been the cause.
It was not the dismantling of the union that motivated the secession of the south. It was the preservation of slavery. This is why the war is an abolition war. This is why the victory must be an abolition victory. Abolition is the enemy of slavery, and it is slavery that is at the heart of this ugly conflict. It is the protection of this accursed, damnable institution that has soaked the ground in blood.
No war but an abolition war! No peace but an abolition peace! Liberty for all and chains for none!"
February 6, 2019
The life of Fredrick Douglass was a great book that truly told the life of Fredrick Douglass! From the beginning to the end I enjoyed Fredrick's character and they way it was told... I learned different facts through his character that I wouldn't have known! I also like the side facts it told in the other pages. Something I wasn't fond of in the book was that sometimes it felt like I was reading really long because of all the writing per section, but besides that I really enjoyed the book!
December 4, 2020
This was a good introduction into his life and a powerful read in a graphic novel format.
January 19, 2019
I am a newbie when it comes to the history of America or on the topic of slavery or the American Civil War. But what I love about the American pop-culture like movies or graphic novels is that they make all these topics in a fascinating and extremely accessible manner to a layperson like me.
I have been hearing about the name "Frederick Douglass" in my social media feed for quite a while. So a graphic novel on him really intrigued me, as it is relatively easy to read and finish it. This book is such a great and quick primer into the era of slavery, American Civil War, Abraham Lincoln through the lens of Frederick Douglass. For a complete newbie like me, this was a fantastic crash course of history on the perils of slavery and the formation of USA.
I was able to relate to a similar person in India's history, Periyar (EV Ramasamy) with Frederick Douglass.
When Frederick's youth is faced with the brutality of slavery, Periyar experienced the cruelty of casteism & brahmin dominance. Periyar was economically well to do and privileged, Frederick had good circle friends with which he could even move to England and pay and free himself from the slave masters.
If Frederick was known for the abolition of slavery, Periyar was known for his atheism and rationality movement. But when slavery was getting addressed, Frederick lent his voice for the woman suffrage. Periyar very vocal and known for fighting for equality for women.
Both of them lived longer in their old ages and remarried a much younger woman. Both of them had written a lot, ran a newspaper and spoke vociferously for the cause they stood. Both of them had their imprints and influence in history for their countrymen.
It may look like a cursory comparison, but I couldn't avoid it when reading this graphic novel. Highly recommend it, if you are curious about the politics and history of USA.
I have been hearing about the name "Frederick Douglass" in my social media feed for quite a while. So a graphic novel on him really intrigued me, as it is relatively easy to read and finish it. This book is such a great and quick primer into the era of slavery, American Civil War, Abraham Lincoln through the lens of Frederick Douglass. For a complete newbie like me, this was a fantastic crash course of history on the perils of slavery and the formation of USA.
I was able to relate to a similar person in India's history, Periyar (EV Ramasamy) with Frederick Douglass.
When Frederick's youth is faced with the brutality of slavery, Periyar experienced the cruelty of casteism & brahmin dominance. Periyar was economically well to do and privileged, Frederick had good circle friends with which he could even move to England and pay and free himself from the slave masters.
If Frederick was known for the abolition of slavery, Periyar was known for his atheism and rationality movement. But when slavery was getting addressed, Frederick lent his voice for the woman suffrage. Periyar very vocal and known for fighting for equality for women.
Both of them lived longer in their old ages and remarried a much younger woman. Both of them had written a lot, ran a newspaper and spoke vociferously for the cause they stood. Both of them had their imprints and influence in history for their countrymen.
It may look like a cursory comparison, but I couldn't avoid it when reading this graphic novel. Highly recommend it, if you are curious about the politics and history of USA.
March 15, 2019
This book gave me so much context for slavery that I did not get in my Louisiana public school education. Really informative, very well written
March 30, 2019
Such an important book-can’t wait to put it in my classroom library.
August 30, 2021
I’ve become a big fan of historical/biographical nonfiction graphic novels. I do like to learn history but if it’s condensed a bit and with illustrations, well of course I’ll choose that over a textbook! This is another one I think everyone should read (middle school-aged on up). It was VERY well done and I cried near the end. I’ve read one of Frederick Douglass’s autobiographies, but probably a decade or more ago, although I remember it being FANTASTIC and have recommended it to others through the years. This was a great refresher course, told in his voice, and I plan on reading his actual autobiography again someday in the next few years.
This one had a few breakers of quick history lessons on American slavery, photography and Frederick Douglass (did you know he was the most photographed American in the 19th century? He wanted people to see what a real Black person looks like, verses the crude caricatures drawn for newspapers), and the Civil War. Very interesting to me was the relationship between Douglass and Lincoln; even though Douglass was an outspoken critic of Lincoln and his wishy washy stance on slavery, the two actually were becoming closer to friends before the assassination.
This one had a few breakers of quick history lessons on American slavery, photography and Frederick Douglass (did you know he was the most photographed American in the 19th century? He wanted people to see what a real Black person looks like, verses the crude caricatures drawn for newspapers), and the Civil War. Very interesting to me was the relationship between Douglass and Lincoln; even though Douglass was an outspoken critic of Lincoln and his wishy washy stance on slavery, the two actually were becoming closer to friends before the assassination.
February 23, 2020
The art is gorgeous and the story is imperative. A dive into this incredible life that can be read in an afternoon? Why wouldn't I?
September 25, 2020
Great graphic novel telling of the life of Frederick Douglass. I learned a lot about this great person in American history. The graphic novel did an excellent job of telling his life story.
February 15, 2021
Wow. What a story. Frederick Douglass, the most photographed man on the 19th century (weird true fact) was a crucially important historical figure in American politics. A revolutionary, an abolitionist, an outspoken critic of injustices and wrongs, a man has held many positions and offices throughout his storied life started off as a slave. Once he found his way out, he dedicated his life to helping others do the same, on a large scale, effectively becoming a symbol of the potential that was being oppressed in the US. That’s the reason he was so often photographed, he wished to present a certain image, a studious serious countenance of an educated well spoken man to counter the typical representation of slaves.
And he succeeded too, largely due to the sheer magnitude of his personal conviction, his perseverance, his courage. It took much, much longer than it should have. Seems that even back then, Americans enjoyed finding a terrible idea and holding on to it for way too long, but eventually a dream that sustained his fight for so long became reality. Lincoln, who has met with and respected Douglass, signed the emancipation proclamation. A war was won. The country has begun the torpidly slow change in racial politics that continues to this day.
Douglass is a genuinely remarkable person, all the more impressive for being self taught and overcoming almost impossible seeming circumstances. The man has written three autobiographies, but personally I’m very glad to have read his story in graphic novel form. It combined several things I like and was exceptionally well done. Using Douglass as a primary source, but tempering the narrative into more of a narrative story and using excellent art with great likenesses (important, since real historical figures are present), the book reads well and does a great job of making the past come alive.
This being February makes it a perfectly timed read. This being the US of A, a country desperately trying to wake up from a racist nightmare, makes it a permanently timely read.
The story is absolutely primed for a movie and with so many black historical figures finally getting their story told cinematically and thus brought to larger public attention, it seems only a matter of time.
Good read. Great story. Recommended.
And he succeeded too, largely due to the sheer magnitude of his personal conviction, his perseverance, his courage. It took much, much longer than it should have. Seems that even back then, Americans enjoyed finding a terrible idea and holding on to it for way too long, but eventually a dream that sustained his fight for so long became reality. Lincoln, who has met with and respected Douglass, signed the emancipation proclamation. A war was won. The country has begun the torpidly slow change in racial politics that continues to this day.
Douglass is a genuinely remarkable person, all the more impressive for being self taught and overcoming almost impossible seeming circumstances. The man has written three autobiographies, but personally I’m very glad to have read his story in graphic novel form. It combined several things I like and was exceptionally well done. Using Douglass as a primary source, but tempering the narrative into more of a narrative story and using excellent art with great likenesses (important, since real historical figures are present), the book reads well and does a great job of making the past come alive.
This being February makes it a perfectly timed read. This being the US of A, a country desperately trying to wake up from a racist nightmare, makes it a permanently timely read.
The story is absolutely primed for a movie and with so many black historical figures finally getting their story told cinematically and thus brought to larger public attention, it seems only a matter of time.
Good read. Great story. Recommended.
December 21, 2020
I purchased this book for my son after listening to an interview with the writer and being impressed with his research and exposition of how he created the book. I have taught "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave" perhaps twenty times at the high school and college, and I have just completed David W. Blight's scholarly tome, "Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom", as well as six books on the life of John Brown and a couple of other books on the time period. It is a difficult endeavor to take figures from history like Douglass and present their lives and historical context in a powerful way, but I do feel that this graphic novel succeeds in doing so, partially through having intermittent prose passages that explain the historical contexts of things like slavery in the Americas, the history of abolitionism in the United States, the events that drew us inexorably into the Civil War, but also through powerful graphic novel segments to communicate the events and circumstances of Douglass's life. The segments on Douglass as an enslaved child honestly brought tears to my eyes, though I knew the story well and had taught it many many times. I think that this graphic novel not only does an excellent job of telling Frederick Douglass's life and demonstrating his leonine character and almost unimaginable achievements in the light of his struggle, but also provides excellent lessons on the history of slavery and the struggles facing Black folk after manumission and especially after the betrayal of Reconstruction-era hopes, that "unfinished revolution" as historian Eric Foner calls it. Douglass is one of the most important voices of the 19th-century, one of the most eloquent voices in American history, and he was a warrior who fought against evils that still deeply affect American society today. This book should be used as curriculum in American schools, along with reading Douglass's actual first autobiography from 1845, at the very least. Too few know about American history, and this prevents them from understanding the American present, and working to heal the deep and lasting wounds we still bleed from here every day.
January 19, 2020
Excellent nonfiction graphic biography, delving more into detail of Douglass’s life and writings. I learned some new things and was surprised of how much American history (colonies and revolution, Civil War, suffrage) I remembered when it was brought up.
I really appreciated the interspersed background prose pages, giving extra context into events during or leading up to Douglass’s life. It anchored the narrative into a larger context without feeling like too much of a dry info dump.
I could see another author taking the book a little farther, with larger connections to white supremacy today, the previous two centuries of systemic racism in housing policy, voting rights, and more, as well as pulling from the recent 1619 Project to make stronger links of the foundations of slavery inherent in the entire American system, but these creators stopped just shy of that and focused on Douglass’s life and his perspective on things (I’m assuming pulled from his speeches, writings, autobiographies, and survivors). It makes for a cleaner encapsulated narrative.
This could easily appeal to teens or older kid readers, and be a great choice for a history buff, a report or research project, or someone just looking for a great read. Black Heroes Matter, as the author puts it in their end notes.
I really appreciated the interspersed background prose pages, giving extra context into events during or leading up to Douglass’s life. It anchored the narrative into a larger context without feeling like too much of a dry info dump.
I could see another author taking the book a little farther, with larger connections to white supremacy today, the previous two centuries of systemic racism in housing policy, voting rights, and more, as well as pulling from the recent 1619 Project to make stronger links of the foundations of slavery inherent in the entire American system, but these creators stopped just shy of that and focused on Douglass’s life and his perspective on things (I’m assuming pulled from his speeches, writings, autobiographies, and survivors). It makes for a cleaner encapsulated narrative.
This could easily appeal to teens or older kid readers, and be a great choice for a history buff, a report or research project, or someone just looking for a great read. Black Heroes Matter, as the author puts it in their end notes.
April 20, 2019
It’s funny how before you read a book the cover is what sometimes draw you to the book. When I looked at this cover I see the determination in Fredrick Douglas Face. I use to shy away from slavery books because it still hurt my core. I think of my ancestors in bondage and abused. Fredrick is a great man that will never been forgotten he was an abolitionist and writer. He fought against slavery, women rights and met with Presidents to discuss these issues. He even met great women Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony. This book is a keeper. This will be passed down to my children and grandchildren. It’s also a good source for a child before they get the literature book.
August 24, 2022
4.25/5
I read this for summer reading for my new teaching job. It is written with beautiful language at times. I must admit, I didn't know anything about Frederick Douglass other than his title as abolitionist. Walker calls him a "mythological figure" in American history, as many know him as a hero but don't know anything in depth about his story. This was an easy, enjoyable, concise, and informative read to change that for me.
I don't particularly love the art style, but I still appreciated the format as graphic narrative.
I read this for summer reading for my new teaching job. It is written with beautiful language at times. I must admit, I didn't know anything about Frederick Douglass other than his title as abolitionist. Walker calls him a "mythological figure" in American history, as many know him as a hero but don't know anything in depth about his story. This was an easy, enjoyable, concise, and informative read to change that for me.
I don't particularly love the art style, but I still appreciated the format as graphic narrative.
February 11, 2021
This is not the flashiest of graphic literature, though considering much of Douglass's life was spent as an orator, I think this did a pretty good job at providing an introduction to his life and work. It's volumes such as these that make me wish more like this was available in high school to add more dynamism and context to the past than the droning lectures of my US history teacher ever delivered. I may have been more excited about seeking out primary sources.
May 15, 2021
I read this after reading Kindred and it made a lot of the history that much more real. Douglass was an amazing man who really did change the world. Thank God for people like him and that he was able to tell his own story.
The art was pretty rough, but seemed to match the tone of the book. Highly recommend this version, might be particularly interesting to kids. I plan on picking up one or more of his autobiographies at some point in the future.
The art was pretty rough, but seemed to match the tone of the book. Highly recommend this version, might be particularly interesting to kids. I plan on picking up one or more of his autobiographies at some point in the future.
January 2, 2020
I think this graphic novel was an excellent introduction to the life of Frederick Douglass. I also think it was a smart and well-executed feature to include contextual articles about slavery in the US and a brief background on the Civil War. These did not draw away from the narrative and I think would enhance a young readers understanding of Douglass's life.
July 29, 2022
Frederick Douglass is one of my heroes. If you read the man's own words, you will never forget them. Though simplified for younger readers, this graphic novel gives enough of the flavor of those words to resonate. The illustrations, simple in style, work well to convey the story, especially in the childhood scenes. A wonderful introduction to a great man's life and work.
July 31, 2024
This is a fantastic read. The graphic novel style makes Douglass’s story really engaging and easy to follow. The art is vivid and striking, making Douglass's experiences feel immediate and impactful. It's a compelling way to learn about his journey from enslavement to becoming a leading voice for freedom. If you’re into history or just like a good graphic novel, this one’s a winner.
November 20, 2020
Clear, concise, thought-provoking, educational, important. I don't LOVE the art (it is a teensy bit inconsistent), but it serves the story well. Everyone should read this!
June 13, 2021
Powerful. Enlightening. Excellent. A wonderful adaption of the Douglass’s autobiographies. A truly great and iconic American.
January 23, 2024
This is an amazing book. I learned so much about Frederick Douglass and the 1800s, and it was written so well.
August 12, 2025
We live in the baffling time where folks are saying that slavery wasn’t that bad. They are unserious Americans, ignorant of history. They have never read the Lion of Anacostia. I enjoyed this book as it takes his life and prose and weaves it together in a short and approachable fashion. It makes me want to go back and re-read his 1892 autobiography.
April 9, 2019
Frederick Douglass is one of those people who I know of, but certainly not as well as I should. This book helped fill those gaps. Thoughtfully put together and a very good read.
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