The Lives of Frederick Douglass

Explore the multifaceted life of one of America’s greatest social reformers in "The Lives of Frederick Douglass." Published on January 7, 2016, this compelling book delves into the complex persona of Frederick Douglass through a revisionist lens, challenging the singular narrative often associated with his autobiography. Author Robert S. Levine meticulously examines a broader spectrum of Douglass's writings, from the 1840s to the 1890s, including the often-overlooked "Life and Times of Frederick Douglass." By juxtaposing varying accounts of Douglass’s life events and relationships with figures such as John Brown, Abraham Lincoln, and William Lloyd Garrison, Levine paints a portrait of a man who was not only a pivotal figure in the abolitionist movement but also a pragmatic strategist in promoting racial justice. Ideal for adult education settings, this book invites readers to critically engage with Douglass’s evolving stances on race, violence, and nationalism, offering fresh insights into his enduring influence on American literature and social justice.