Although today he is remembered primarily as an abolitionist, Frederick Douglass fought his entire life on behalf of equal rights for all people, both here in the United States and abroad. Through his travels, his speeches, and his newspapers, he was able to build an impressive network of allies who supported his work financially and intellectually. Since he had no trouble expressing his strong, often unpopular, opinions, he made a fair number of enemies as well, and this work does not shy away from describing the conflicts that arose between Douglass and other abolitionists, other African Americans, and President Lincoln. Drawing on a large number of primary source materials, Bolden offers young people a compelling account of Douglass’s complex life and times. Douglass’s fascination with photography led to him being the most photographed man in the 19 th century, and many images of him are included in this intimate, arresting portrait. (Age 13 and older)

From award-winning author Tonya Bolden comes the fascinating story of one of America’s most influential African American voices

Teacher. Self-emancipator. Orator. Author. Man. Frederick Douglass (1818–1895) is one of the most important African American figures in US history, best known, perhaps, for his own emancipation. But there is much more to Douglass’s story than his time spent in slavery and his famous autobiography. Delving into his family life and travel abroad, this book captures the whole complicated, and at times perplexing, person that he was. As a statesman, suffragist, writer, newspaperman, and lover of the arts, Douglass the man, rather than the historical icon, is the focus in Facing Frederick.