The Frederick Douglass Papers. Series Two: Autobiographical Writings: Volume 1

Abstract

The Frederick Douglass Papers. Series Two: Autobiographical Writings: Volume 1. Edited by John W. Blassingame, John R. McKivigan, and Peter P. Hinks. (New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1999. Pp. 288. Illustrations, maps. $50.00.) Published as a volume in a series of Douglass's collected writings and papers, the content of this volume should be familiar to most United States historians. Initially published in 1845, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself, is the most commonly read of Douglass's three autobiographies, considered one of the classics in American literature, and frequently assigned in freshman-level history and English classes. Thus the publication of a new edition of the Douglass narrative should only attract attention if it includes significant supplemental information or interpretation. As a part of an impressive effort to collect Douglass's writings, this edition exceeds the standard. The editors illustrate an awareness that scholarly interest in Douglass's published writings extends beyond the historical profession and thus direct their efforts towards the interests not only of historians, but also of literary critics and scholars in interdisciplinary fields such as American Studies and African-American Studies. This can especially be seen in the textual and historical annotations. The textual annotations, which explain variations in copy among different editions, ensure that the text presented is authoritative. Historical annotations present readers with background to virtually every reference Douglass makes, ranging from obscure classical and contemporary literary references to information on people Douglass mentioned, often employing census and courthouse records. In addition, historical annotations provide citations that lead readers to additional interpretive sources, leading historians to literary sources and literary critics to historical sources. The tedious effort of tracing the meanings of numerous references, some obvious, some obscure, is definitely worthy of applause, and is also of considerable use to the reader. Instructors will find this a valuable reference in providing background information to students. The most significant interpretive contribution that this volume provides is an introductory essay authored by the late John Blassingame. Blassingame's essay places Douglass's Narrative in its historical, literary, and historiographical context in an engaging, but relatively brief, introduction. Citing the mood of reform movements at the time, Blassingame illustrates that the timing of the publication of Douglass's narrative could not have been better. Douglass's narrative was published not long after the revelation that the 1836 Memoirs of Archy Moore and the 1838 Narrative of James Williams were both hoaxes. These scandals called into question the credibility of all slave narratives. Fully aware of this, Douglass authored his Narrative without altering his name or the names of his masters, fellow slaves, or others who provided assistance. Indeed, he published his narrative with a photograph of himself above his own signature as evidence of his authenticity (and literacy). Fully aware of the dangers involved, as well as the potential sensational value, Douglass provoked slavery defenders, almost daring them to disprove his claims. In issuing this challenge, Douglass asserted his own authenticity while at the same time he disputed notions of the limited intellectual capacity of African Americans. The Narrative became a promotion for his speaking tours, which in turn sold additional copies of the Narrative. Ultimately, a friend of Thomas Auld (one of Douglass's former masters), A. …