Frederick Douglass

With Black History Month just passing, I want to note a book I think everyone should read.  Every time I open The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, I end up reading this moving autobiography again.  He tells his story from his earliest memory as a little slave boy up through his emancipation and spokesperson for the equality of all people. There are people today who present his speeches; and I wonder if they are as stirring as he must have been.  At some of the public abolitionist gatherings when he spoke, there were people who did not believe he had been a slave; he was so eloquent and intelligent.  As I read his story I feel just a little – is it possible to feel the pain of those in bondage? – we see through some kind of a window into Douglass’ soul as the honest language he uses exposes his suffering, yearning, and deep longing.

After Frederick Douglass became a free man, he knew trials were not over, justice must be served, and he could not be silent.  He began the first black newspaper, The North Star.  Douglass’ words to the Christians of that day also speak to believers today, challenging their positions and faith.

There are many books about Douglass and I’ve enjoyed even the photos in Literature books and reading about his family.  But you can get his complete Narrative for just a couple of dollars in a Dover paperback – as long as these are published, I’ll keep them in the store.