Dispatches from Home – The First Line and the Last.

“I was born in Tuckahoe, near Hillsborough, and about twelve miles from Easton, in Talbot County, Maryland. I have no knowledge of my age… From that time until now, I have been engaged in pleading the cause of my brethren, with what success, and with what devotion, I leave those acquainted with my labors to decide.”

Thus begins and ends Douglass’ book, which relates his life of bondage, his escape, and his self-made public career. A recurring theme in the book is this: to Douglass, slavery meant bondage of the mind as much as the body. I found the recounting of his meetings with his former masters most poignant. Would you please put it on your reading list?

Later Book-Loving Gaters!

(Originally published August 11, 2021)