My Bondage and My Freedom

by Douglass, Frederick; Smith, John David

• ISBN13: 9780140439182
• ISBN10: 0140439188
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781101157169
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-02-04
• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• More Book Details

About This Book

My Bondage and My Freedom by Frederick Douglass is a powerful and thought-provoking autobiography that offers a deeply personal and historical account of life as an ex-slave in the United States. Written after ten years of reflection following his legal emancipation in 1846, this book provides a detailed and poignant narrative of Douglass's journey from bondage to freedom.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, My Bondage and My Freedom is used by students and educators in courses focused on American history, literature, and social justice. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the experiences of enslaved individuals and the broader context of slavery in the United States. This book is particularly relevant for those studying the Civil War era, African American history, and the fight for civil rights.

History and Editions

First published in 1855, My Bondage and My Freedom has been a cornerstone of educational resources for over 160 years. The book has been reprinted numerous times, with various editions offering slight revisions and updates. This classic work remains a significant contribution to American literature and continues to be widely studied due to its historical significance and literary merit.

Author and Other Works

Frederick Douglass was a renowned orator, writer, and abolitionist. He is best known for his autobiographies, which include Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (1845) and My Bondage and My Freedom (1855). Douglass's writing style is characterized by its clarity, passion, and commitment to exposing the injustices of slavery. His other notable works include speeches and essays that advocate for the abolition of slavery and equal rights for African Americans.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Hardcover: ISBN-13: 9780140439182
• eTextbook: ISBN-13: 9781101157169
• eTextbook: ISBN-13: 9780140439199
• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780140439182

Publication Details

• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Publication Date: 1855 (original publication), various reprints
• Number of Pages: 366 pages (varies slightly by edition)
• Language: English

Other Editions and Formats

• Digital Editions: Various e-book formats available with different ISBNs.
• Related ISBNs:
• 9781101157169 (eTextbook)
• 9780140439199 (eTextbook)
• 9780140439182 (Paperback)

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for My Bondage and My Freedom, making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Author Biography

Frederick Douglass, an outspoken abolitionist, was born into slavery in 1818 and, after his escape in 1838, repeatedly risked his own freedom as an antislavery lecturer, writer, and publisher.

John David Smith is Distinguished Professor of History and Director of the Masters in Public History Program at North Carolina State University.

Table of Contents

Introduction	xix
John David Smith
Notes to the Introduction	xlix
Suggestions for Further Reading	lvii
My Bondage and My Freedom
Editor's Preface	5	(4)
Introduction	9	(20)
The Author's Childhood
Place of Birth	29	(1)
Character of the District	30	(1)
Time of Birth---My Grandparents	30	(1)
Character of my Grandmother	31	(1)
The Log Cabin---Its Charms	31	(1)
First Knowledge of being a Slave	32	(1)
Old Master---Griefs and Joys of Childhood	33	(1)
Comparative Happiness of the Slave-Boy and his White Brother	34	(2)
The Author Removed from His First Home
The name ``Old Master'' a Terror	36	(1)
Home Attractions---Dread of being removed from Tuckahoe	37	(1)
The Journey to Col. Lloyd's Plantation	38	(1)
Scene on reaching Old Master's	39	(1)
First Meeting with my Brothers and Sisters	39	(1)
Departure of Grandmother---Author's Grief	40	(1)
The Author's Parentage
Author's Father shrouded in Mystery	41	(1)
My Mother---Her Personal Appearance	42	(1)
Her Situation---Visits to her Boy	43	(1)
Cruelty of ``Aunt Katy''---Threatened Starvation	44	(1)
My Mother's Interference	45	(1)
Her Death	45	(1)
Her Love of Knowledge	46	(1)
Penalty for having a White Father	46	(2)
A General Survey of the Slave Plantation
Slaveholding Cruelty restrained by Public Opinion	48	(1)
Isolation of Lloyd's Plantation	49	(1)
Beyond the reach of Public Opinion	50	(1)
Religion and Politics alike Excluded	50	(1)
Natural and Artificial Charms of the Place	51	(1)
The ``Great House,''	52	(2)
Etiquette among Slaves	54	(1)
The Comic Slave-Doctor	55	(1)
Praying and Flogging	55	(1)
Business of Old Master	56	(2)
Sufferings from Hunger	58	(1)
Jargon of the Plantation	59	(1)
Family of Col. Lloyd---Mas' Daniel	59	(1)
Family of Old Master---Social Position	60	(1)
Gradual Initiation into the Mysteries of Slavery
Growing Acquaintance with Old Master---His Character	61	(1)
Evils of Unrestrained Passion---A Man of Trouble	62	(1)
Supposed Obtuseness of Slave-Children	62	(1)
Brutal Outrage on my Aunt Milly by a drunken Overseer	63	(1)
Slaveholders' Impatience at Appeals against Cruelty	64	(1)
Wisdom of appealing to Superiors	64	(1)
Attempt to break up a Courtship	65	(1)
Slavery destroys all Incentives to a Virtuous Life	66	(1)
A Harrowing Scene	66	(2)
Treatment of Slaves on Lloyd's Plantation
The Author's Early Reflections on Slavery	68	(1)
Conclusions at which he Arrived	69	(1)
Presentiment of one day being a Freeman	69	(1)
Combat between an Overseer and a Slave-Woman	70	(1)
Nelly's noble Resistance	71	(1)
Advantages of Resistance	72	(1)
Mr. Sevier, the brutal Overseer, and his Successors	73	(1)
Allowance-day on the Home Plantation	73	(2)
The Singing of the Slaves no Proof of Contentment	75	(1)
Food and Clothing of the Slaves	76	(1)
Naked Children	77	(1)
Nursing Children carried to the Field	78	(1)
Description of the Cowskin	78	(1)
Manner of making the Ash Cake---The Dinner Hour	78	(1)
Contrast at the Great House	79	(2)
Life in the Great House
Comfort and Luxuries---Elaborate Expenditure	81	(2)
Men and Maid Servants---Black Aristocracy	83	(1)
Stable and Carriage House	83	(1)
Deceptive Character of Slavery	84	(1)
Slaves and Slaveholders alike Unhappy	84	(1)
Fretfulness and Capriciousness of Slaveholders	84	(2)
Whipping of Old Barney by Col. Lloyd	86	(1)
William Wilks, a supposed son of Col. Lloyd	86	(2)
Curious Incident---Penalty of telling the Truth	88	(1)
Preference of Slaves for Rich Masters	89	(1)
A Chapter of Horrors
Austin Gore---Sketch of his Character	90	(1)
Absolute Power of Overseers	91	(1)
Murder of Denby---How it Occurred	92	(1)
How Gore made Peace with Col. Lloyd	93	(1)
Murder of a Slave-girl by Mrs. Hicks	94	(2)
No Laws for the Protection of Slaves can be Enforced	96	(1)
Personal Treatment of the Author
Miss Lucretia Auld---Her Kindness	97	(1)
A Battle with ``Ike,'' and its Consequences	98	(1)
Beams of Sunlight	99	(1)
Suffering from Cold---How we took our Meals	99	(1)
Orders to prepare to go to Baltimore---Extraordinary Cleansing	100	(2)
Cousin Tom's Description of Baltimore	102	(1)
The Journey	102	(1)
Arrival at Baltimore	103	(1)
Kindness of my new Mistress---Little Tommy	103	(1)
A Turning Point in my History	104	(1)
Life in Baltimore
City Annoyances---Plantation Regrets	105	(1)
My Improved Condition	106	(1)
Character of my new Master, Hugh Auld	106	(1)
My Occupation---Increased Sensitiveness	107	(1)
Commencement of Learning to Read---Why Discontinued	108	(1)
Master Hugh's Exposition of the true Philosophy of Slavery	108	(1)
Increased Determination to Learn	109	(1)
Contrast between City and Plantation Slaves	109	(1)
Mrs. Hamilton's Brutal Treatment of her Slaves	110	(2)
``A Change Came O'er the Spirit of My Dream.''
Knowledge Acquired by Stealth	112	(1)
My Mistress---Her Slaveholding Duties	113	(1)
Deplorable Effects on her Character	114	(1)
How I pursued my Education---My Tutors	115	(1)
My Deliberations on the Character of Slavery	115	(1)
The Columbian Orator and its Lessons	116	(1)
Speeches of Chatham, Sheridan, Pitt, and Fox	117	(1)
Knowledge ever Increasing---My Eyes Opened	118	(1)
How I pined for Liberty	118	(1)
Dissatisfaction of my poor Mistress	119	(1)
Religious Nature Awakened
Abolitionists spoken of	120	(1)
Eagerness to know what the word meant	121	(1)
The Enigma solved---Turner's Insurrection	122	(1)
First Awakened on the subject of Religion	122	(2)
My Friend Lawson---His Character and Occupation	124	(1)
Comfort Derived from his Teaching	124	(1)
New Hopes and Aspirations	124	(1)
The Irishmen on the Wharf---Their Sympathy	125	(1)
How I learned to Write	126	(1)
The Vicissitudes of Slave Life
Death of Young Master Richard	127	(1)
Author's Presence required at the Division of Old Master's Property	128	(1)
Attachment of Slaves to their Homes	128	(1)
Sad Prospects and Grief	129	(1)
General Dread of Master Andrew---His Cruelty	129	(2)
Return to Baltimore---Death of Mistress Lucretia	131	(1)
My poor old Grandmother---Her sad Fate	132	(1)
Second Marriage of Master Thomas	133	(1)
Again Removed from Master Hugh's	133	(1)
Regrets at Leaving Baltimore	134	(1)
A Plan of Escape Entertained	135	(1)
Experience in St. Michael's
The Village and its Inhabitants	136	(1)
Meteoric Phenomena---Author's Impressions	137	(1)
Character of my new Master and Mistress	138	(1)
Allowance of Food---Sufferings from Hunger	138	(1)
Stealing and its Vindication	139	(1)
A new Profession of Faith	140	(1)
Morality of Free Society has no Application to Slave Society	140	(2)
Southern Camp-Meeting---Master Thomas professes Conversion	142	(1)
Hopes and Suspicions	143	(1)
The Result---Faith and Works entirely at Variance	143	(1)
No more Meal brought from the Mill---Methodist Preachers	144	(1)
Their utter Disregard of the Slaves---An Exception	145	(1)
A Sabbath School Instituted	146	(1)
How broken up and by whom	147	(1)
Cruel Treatment of Cousin Henny	147	(1)
Master Thomas
Differences with Master Thomas, and the Consequences	148	(1)
Edward Covey---His Character	149	(1)
Covey, the Negro Breaker
Journey to my new Master's	150	(1)
Meditations by the way	151	(1)
View of Covey's Residence---The Family	151	(1)
Awkwardness as a Field Hand	152	(1)
First Adventure at Ox Driving	153	(1)
Unruly Animals---Hair-breadth Escapes	154	(1)
Oxen and Men---Points of Similarity	155	(1)
Sent back to the Woods	156	(1)
Covey's Manner of proceeding to Whip	156	(1)
His Cunning and Trickery---Severe Labor	157	(1)
Family Worship	158	(1)
Shocking Contempt for Chastity---An Illustration	159	(1)
Author Broken Down---His only Leisure Time	160	(1)
Freedom of the Ships and his own Slavery Contrasted	161	(1)
Anguish beyond Description	162	(1)
Another Pressure of the Tyrant's Vice
Experience at Covey's summed up	163	(1)
Scene in the Treading Yard	164	(1)
Author taken Ill	165	(1)
Unusual Brutality of Covey	165	(1)
Escape to St. Michael's---Suffering in the Woods	166	(2)
Circumstances Narrated to Master Thomas---His Bearing	168	(1)
The Case Prejudged---Driven back to Covey's	169	(2)
The Last Flogging
A Sleepless Night---Return to Covey's	171	(1)
His Conduct---Again Escape to the Woods	172	(1)
Deplorable Spectacle---Night in the Woods	172	(1)
An Alarm---A Friend, not an Enemy	173	(1)
Sandy's Hospitality---The Ash Cake Supper	173	(1)
A Conjuror---His Advice---The Magic Root	174	(1)
Want of Faith---The Talisman Accepted	175	(1)
Meeting with Covey---His Sunday Face	176	(1)
His Manner on Monday---A Defensive Resolve	176	(1)
A Rough and Tumble Fight	177	(1)
Unexpected Resistance	178	(1)
Covey's Ineffectual Commands for Assistance	179	(1)
The Victory and its Results	180	(1)
Effects upon my own Character	180	(3)
New Relations and Duties
Change of Masters---Resolve to Fight my Way	183	(1)
Ability to read a cause of Prejudice	184	(1)
Manner of Spending the Holidays	184	(1)
The Effects---Sharp hit at Slavery	185	(1)
A Device of Slavery	185	(3)
Difference between Master Freeland and Covey	188	(1)
An Irreligious Master Preferred---The Reasons Why	188	(1)
The Reverend Rigby Hopkins	189	(1)
Catalogue of Floggable Offenses	190	(1)
Rivalry among Slaves Encouraged	191	(1)
Improved Condition at Freeland's	191	(1)
Reasons for continued Discontent	192	(1)
Congenial Society---The Sabbath School	193	(1)
Its Members---Necessity for Secrecy	194	(1)
Affectionate Relations of Master and Pupils	194	(2)
Confidence and Friendship among Slaves	196	(1)
Slavery the Inviter of Vengeance	197	(1)
The Run-Away Plot
New Year's Thoughts and Reflections	198	(1)
Again hired by Freeland	199	(1)
Still Devising Plans for gaining Freedom	199	(1)
A Solemn Vow---Plan Divulged to the Slaves	200	(1)
Arguments in its Support---The Scheme gains Favor	201	(1)
Danger of Discovery---Difficulty of Concealment	202	(1)
Skill of Slaveholders---Suspicion and Coercion	202	(1)
Hymns with a Double Meaning	203	(1)
Author's Confederates---His Influence over them	204	(1)
Preliminary Consultations---Pass-Words	205	(1)
Conflict of Hopes and Fears---Ignorance of Geography	205	(1)
Survey of Imaginary Difficulties	206	(1)
Effect upon our Minds	207	(1)
Sandy becomes a Dreamer	208	(1)
Route to the North laid out---Objections Considered	209	(1)
Frauds Practiced on Freemen---Passes Written	209	(1)
Anxieties as the Time drew near	210	(1)
Appeals to Comrades---A Presentiment	211	(1)
The Betrayal Discovered	211	(1)
Manner of Arresting us	212	(1)
Resistance made by Henry Harris---Its Effects	213	(2)
Unique Speech of Mrs. Freeland	215	(1)
Our Sad Procession to Easton	215	(1)
Passes Eaten---The Examination at St. Michael's	216	(1)
No Evidence Produced---Who was the Betrayer?	217	(1)
Dragged behind Horses---The Jail a Relief	217	(1)
A New set of Tormentors	218	(1)
Release of my Companions	219	(2)
Author taken out of Prison and sent to Baltimore	221	(1)
Apprenticeship Life
Nothing Lost by the Attempt to Run Away	222	(1)
Reasons for sending the Author Away	223	(1)
Unlooked for Clemency in Master Thomas	223	(1)
Return to Baltimore---Change in Little Tommy	224	(1)
Trials in Gardiner's Ship Yard	225	(1)
Desperate Fight with the White Apprentices	225	(1)
Conflict between White and Black Labor	226	(3)
Description of the Outrage	229	(1)
Conduct of Master Hugh	230	(1)
Testimony of a Colored Man Nothing	231	(1)
Spirit of Slavery in Baltimore	232	(1)
Author's Condition Improves	233	(1)
New Associates---Benefits derived therefrom	233	(1)
How to make a Contented Slave	233	(1)
My Escape From Slavery
Manner of Escape not given---Reasons why	234	(1)
Craftiness and Malice of Slaveholders	235	(1)
Want of Wisdom in Publishing Details of Escape	235	(2)
Suspicions Implied by Master Hugh's Manner	237	(1)
Difficulty of Escape---Discontent	238	(1)
Author allowed to Hire his Time	239	(1)
A Gleam of Hope---Hard Terms	239	(1)
Author attends Camp Meeting without Permission	240	(1)
Anger of Master Hugh thereat	240	(2)
Plans of Escape Accelerated thereby	242	(1)
Painful Thoughts of Separation from Friends	242	(1)
The Attempt made---Its Success	243	(4)
Liberty Attained
Author a Wanderer in New York---Feelings on Reaching that City	247	(1)
An Old Acquaintance met	248	(1)
Unfavorable Impressions---Loneliness and Insecurity	249	(1)
Apology for Slaves who Return to their Masters	249	(1)
Make known my Condition---David Ruggles	250	(1)
Author's Marriage---Removal to New Bedford	251	(1)
Kindness of Nathan Johnson---Change of Name	252	(1)
Dark Notions of Northern Civilization enlightened	253	(1)
Contrast between the North and the South	253	(2)
Colored People in New Bedford	255	(1)
An Incident Illustrating their Spirit	255	(1)
The Author finds Employment	256	(1)
Denied Work at his Trade	257	(1)
The first Winter at the North	257	(1)
Proscription in the Church	258	(1)
An Incident at the Communion Table	259	(1)
First Acquaintance with the Liberator	260	(1)
Character of its Editor	260	(2)
Prompt Attendance at Anti-Slavery Meetings	262	(1)
Introduced to the Abolitionists
Anti-Slavery Convention at Nantucket	263	(1)
Author's First Speech	263	(1)
Becomes a Public Lecturer	264	(1)
Youthful Enthusiasm	265	(1)
Difficulties in his Position	266	(1)
His Fugitive Slaveship Doubted	266	(1)
Publishes his Narrative---Danger of Recapture	267	(1)
Advised not to Publish his Story	268	(1)
Twenty-One Months in Great Britain
Good arising out of Unpropitious Events	269	(1)
Embarks for England---Denied Cabin Passage	270	(1)
Mob on board the Cambria---Happy Introduction to the British Public	270	(1)
Letter to Mr. Garrison	271	(2)
``We don't allow Niggers in here,''	273	(2)
Time and Labors Abroad	275	(1)
Freedom Purchased---Free Papers	276	(1)
Abolitionists Displeased with the Ransom	277	(1)
How the Author's Energies were Directed in Great Britain	277	(1)
Reception Speech in Finsbury Chapel, London	278	(1)
Character of the Speech Defended	279	(1)
Causes Contributing to my Success	280	(1)
The Free Church of Scotland---Its Position	281	(1)
Agitation of the Slavery Question	281	(1)
Debates in the General Assembly---``Send back the Money,''	281	(3)
Dr. Cunningham's Speech---A Striking Incident	284	(1)
The World's Temperance Convention---Collision with Dr. Cox	285	(1)
Proposed Testimonial to the Author	285	(1)
Project of Establishing a Newspaper	286	(1)
Return to America---Again Denied Cabin Passage	287	(2)
Various Incidents
Unexpected Opposition to my Newspaper Enterprise	289	(1)
The Objections to it---Their Plausibility Admitted	290	(1)
Motives for going to Rochester	291	(1)
A Change of Opinions---Causes leading to it	291	(3)
Prejudice against Color---The ``Jim Crow Car''	294	(1)
An Amusing Domestic Scene	295	(1)
The Author in High Company	296	(2)
Elevation of the Free People of Color---Pledge for the Future	298	(3)
Appendix. EXTRACTS FROM SPEECHES, ETC.
Reception Speech at Finsbury Chapel, Moorfields, England	301	(16)
Letter to His Old Master	317	(9)
The Nature of Slavery	326	(7)
Inhumanity of Slavery	333	(7)
What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?	340	(5)
The Internal Slave Trade	345	(5)
The Slavery Party	350	(6)
The Anti-Slavery Movement	356	(9)
Explanatory Notes	365