Written in 1855 (ten years after his first autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass), Frederick Douglass’ second autobiography, My Bondage and My Freedom, relates more richly his life under enslavement, his escape, and some of his subsequent experiences.
Frederick Douglass was born under enslavement in Maryland, U.S.A., probably in 1818; and endured cruelty and oppression under his enslavers until he escaped farther north to a free life as a young man. He became a respected American writer, lecturer, and statesman, who advocated for the abolition of slavery, for racial equality, and for women’s rights.
Please note: The text of this book contains some instances of a racial slur for Black people; replaced in the narration, whenever encountered, by /”n-word./” The book contains also the word /”Negro,/” (not the Spanish pronunciation, but rather the American English pronunciation, meaning /”Black person/”) which, because it was considered respectful at the time, remains intact in the narration. However, please be aware that the word /”Negro/” is no longer considered appropriate for everyday use. Neither is the word /”colored/” acceptable for describing Black people outside of historical contexts in American English. Also note, this text relates graphic themes, quotations and events in relation to the practice of slavery and its attendant cruelties.
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