Book Review: The Life of Frederick Douglass by D. Walker et al.

The Life of Frederick Douglass written by David F. Walker, art by Damon Smyth, and colors by Marissa Louise

Frederick Douglass was a famous orator from the American Civil War era. He was born a slave in Maryland, barely knew his mother, and was shifted around to various homes. He wound up in Baltimore with relatives of his owner. Miss Sophia, the lady of the house, taught Douglass to read. This was a changing point for him. When he returned to the plantation, he clandestinely read to the other slaves and continued his education. He realized the only future was in running away. He escaped to New York City where he wound up in the abolitionist movement. Douglass spoke well and had a compelling, first-hand story of the horrors of slavery. He worked with all sorts of people, including John Brown, Harriet Tubman, and Abraham Lincoln. He had a fascinating life and is a very important figure in American history.

The book does a great job relating his life and his own personal thoughts. The author did very thorough research and clearly struggled through how best to write it. He chose to give a first-person narrative with Douglass as an old man retellling his life story. It makes for very compelling reading.

Highly recommended.