Frederick Douglass’s Life and Times of Frederick Douglass is lauded for its powerful, firsthand account of the abolitionist movement and the resilience of the human spirit. Readers praise its historical significance and inspirational narrative but note its dense prose and occasional repetition. Overall, it remains a compelling and essential read for understanding American history.

A reader who would enjoy Life and Times of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass is typically passionate about history, civil rights, and autobiographies. They may appreciate similar works like The Autobiography of Malcolm X or Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. This book appeals to those interested in personal narratives of overcoming adversity in American history.

Life and Times of Frederick Douglass, by Frederick Douglass, is an autobiographical account detailing Douglass's journey from enslavement to becoming a leading abolitionist and statesman. The book covers his early life in Maryland, his escape from slavery, involvement in the abolitionist movement, historical events such as the Civil War and post-war struggle for civil rights, and his reflections on race and justice in America. The book features themes of natural rights, the impact of slavery on all people involved, and the fight against racial prejudice.

Informative / Inspirational / Challenging / Emotional / Hopeful

- Life and Times of Frederick Douglass is Frederick Douglass's third autobiography, published in 1881, and it offers a more comprehensive look at his life compared to his earlier works.
- This autobiography was revised in 1892, providing additional insights and reflections from Douglass's later years, including his roles as a statesman and public figure.
- Douglass dedicated the book to his second wife, Helen Pitts Douglass, who was an activist in her own right and stood by him despite the controversy surrounding their interracial marriage.

**Frederick Douglass**  
An influential writer, speaker, and abolitionist born into slavery in Maryland who later escapes and becomes a prominent advocate for civil rights, publishing several autobiographies detailing his life experiences.

**Betsey Bailey**  
Frederick Douglass's grandmother, who raises him in his early years and plays a significant role in his upbringing before he is sent to the plantation.

**Captain Aaron Anthony**  
Frederick's first legal owner and a figure associated with the life Douglass led on the Lloyd plantation, known for his acts of cruelty.

**Lucretia Auld**  
The daughter of Captain Anthony, noted for her acts of kindness towards young Frederick while he lived on the plantation.

**Captain Thomas Auld**  
Becomes Frederick's owner after the death of Lucretia Auld, and later meets with Douglass following his escape from slavery.

**Austin Gore**  
A notoriously cruel overseer on the Lloyd plantation, remembered for his violent behavior and the impact it had on those around him.

**Sophia Auld**  
Initially kind, she begins teaching Frederick to read before being stopped by her husband, revealing to Douglass the power of education.

**Charles Lawson**  
A Black man in Baltimore who provides Douglass with religious guidance and acts as a mentor figure during his formative years.

**Edward Covey**  
Known for his harsh methods of breaking the will of slaves, Covey is a pivotal figure in Douglass's life against whom he stands up.

**“Sandy” Jenkins**  
A figure who aids Douglass during a difficult time but also raises suspicions of betrayal during a failed escape attempt.

**The German Blacksmith**  
A passenger on the train who recognizes Douglass during his escape but chooses to remain silent, aiding Frederick's flight to freedom.

**John Brown**  
An abolitionist whom Douglass admires for his radical actions against slavery, influencing Douglass's own views on the necessary means to end it.

**Abraham Lincoln**  
The U.S. president known for issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, with whom Douglass discusses the treatment of Black soldiers and the impact of emancipation.

**Ulysses S. Grant**  
A Union general and later president recognized by Douglass for his support of Black troops and enforcement of civil rights during Reconstruction.

Frederick Douglass

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Autobiography / Memoir

The Autobiographies

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Life and Times of Frederick Douglass Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Life as a Slave”

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

Life and Times of Frederick Douglass Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 5-8

Life and Times of Frederick Douglass Part 1, Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 9-13

Life and Times of Frederick Douglass Part 1, Chapters 9-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 14-17

Life and Times of Frederick Douglass Part 1, Chapters 14-17 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 18-21

Life and Times of Frederick Douglass Part 1, Chapters 18-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Second Part”

Part 2, Chapters 1-5

Life and Times of Frederick Douglass Part 2, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 6-8

Life and Times of Frederick Douglass Part 2, Chapters 6-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 9-12

Life and Times of Frederick Douglass Part 2, Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 13-15

Life and Times of Frederick Douglass Part 2, Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 16-19

Life and Times of Frederick Douglass Part 2, Chapters 16-19 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Third Part”

Part 3, Chapters 1-4

Life and Times of Frederick Douglass Part 3, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 5-7

Life and Times of Frederick Douglass Part 3, Chapters 5-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 8-9

Life and Times of Frederick Douglass Part 3, Chapters 8-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 10-13

Life and Times of Frederick Douglass Part 3, Chapters 10-13 Summary & Analysis

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Life and Times of Frederick Douglass Key Figures

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Life and Times of Frederick Douglass

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