Hence, a robust, complicated human leaps from the pages. To resurrect the life of Douglass, Blight has mined heretofore unused resources. Thus the book’s subtitle is important, for Douglass clearly saw himself as a contemporary Jeremiah and Isaiah preaching on behalf of the oppressed. He challenges Douglass’ recall, as well as some of his attitudes, and, in doing so, distinguishes himself as a biographer par excellence.īlight’s portrayal of Douglass relies heavily on Douglass’ own words. As a student of “memory,” Blight offers a different outlook on Douglass’ life from what is rendered in the man’s several autobiographies. Like its subject matter, the book is grand and impressive. This sweeping, accessible work offers a microcosm of American life during the 19th century, as Douglass - born sometime in 1818 (he never knew the month of his birth) and passing in 1895 - was at the forefront of most of the critical issues of the era, all of which revolved around slavery and race.
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