Synopsis:

Frederick Douglass, a prominent abolitionist, civil rights activist and reform journalist, the malicious system of slavery. Frederick was brought to the nearby wheat plantation of Colonel Edward Lloyd. Two years later he was moved to Baltimore to labor in the household of Hugh and Sophia Auld, where he remained for the next seven years. Eventually, Frederick secretly learned to read and write, despite the laws against slave literacy, studied discarded newspapers, and became knowledgeable about the national debate over slavery.

Title: Frederick Douglass: Narrative of an American Slave

Media Type: CD; set of 4 CD's

Listen:
Introduction
Chapter 2
Chapter 4

Price: $19.95

More About the Book from Myshelf.com

Frederick Douglass, Narrative of an American Slave, as read by Andrew L. Barnes, is the autobiography of an Abolitionist Ex-slave. Written in 1844, the book details Douglass’s life and experiences as a slave in the 1830s. While in captivity, Douglass learned to read and write, which broadened his knowledge and increased his awareness of his own plight. After years of slavery, Frederick Douglass managed to escape and rose to become one of the most prominent lecturers on anti-slavery in his time.

His story is a masterpiece, and this audio version is its equal in eloquent style. Narrator Andrew L. Barnes takes the listener on a journey back in time. His voice so closely matches the author’s writing style that it is hard to separate the two. I was lost in the story and at times forgot that Frederick Douglass was not narrating it. I could imagine myself sitting in the audience at one of Douglass lectures dressed in my Sunday best, fanning myself due to the heat, as I listened
to him weave the story of his captivity in a world that was coarse and without sympathy. As I listened to his words, I was caught up in the details and felt his anger and pain as he suffered through the many injustices of his life. Barnes’ audio version of Douglass book is a tribute to the author and a treat for the ears. You don’t have to be a history buff or a political activist to enjoy his work. I suggest listening to this book on a quiet afternoon on a southern porch with a cool glass of tea. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy.

If you like this, try
another narrative by Barnes, Up From Slavery.

MORE REVIEWS

FREDERICK DOUGLASS :
Narrative of an American Slave

Frederick Douglass Read by Andrew L. Barnes While a slave, Frederick Douglass learned to read and write, at the same time learning how these skills relate to freedom. After escaping to the North, Douglass used his words to help free others. Andrew L. Barnes reads Douglass's autobiography with the passionate anger, wit, observation, and fear for others still held in an unjust system that the author himself must have brought to his words. Thus, listening to Douglass's narrative takes on the sense of hearing Douglass himself in an abolitionist meeting and brings home how important his speeches were. His heartfelt words shed unique light on a brutal institution in a way few other histories can.

J.A.S. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 06/ JAN 07]