My Bondage and My Freedom

By Frederick Douglass

Published in 1855

Reference #0108

My Bondage and My Freedom. Part I. – Life as a Slave. Part II. – Life as a Freeman.

First Edition, with frontispiece. Frederick Douglass’ “My Bondage and My Freedom” was published in 1855 and is the second of three autobiographies.

“My Bondage” is an expansion of Douglass’ first autobiography “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass,” published in 1845, where he describes in greater detail his transition from slavery to liberty. The third autobiography, “Life and Times of Frederick Douglass,” was published in 1881 and expands upon his life as a slave and his escape from slavery as well as contains experiences during and after the Civil War. While “My Bondage” gave further insight into Douglass’ transition from slavery to liberty, it also expressed his views about racism and civil rights both in the South and the North as well as his early involvement in abolition movements.

In addition, Douglass refused to reveal any information about his resources in escaping from Baltimore to New York because slavery was still ongoing when Douglass wrote and published the work, and he did not want to endanger those who helped him escape.

Douglass used his words, oratory, and pen to fight for liberty and equal rights of African Americans, leaving a lasting legacy and influence.