In this, his first book, Frederick Douglass describes the events of his life: born into slavery in Maryland in 1818, and at age 20 he fled north, escaped his bondage, and became a nationally and internationally important orator, writer, and statesman. Douglass’s Narrative is considered one of the most influential pieces of literature to fuel the abolitionist movement of the early 19th century in the United States. It became a bestseller upon release, and by 1850, 30,000 copies of the Narrative had been published.
This special exhibition at the Folger features rare books from the collection of Stuart and Mimi Rose that present literary, cultural, and historical high points.
