Sometime around 1830, while enslaved to a Maryland ship carpenter, a 12-year-old boy learns to read with the help of his master's wife and neighborhood white children. Over the next 15 years, the man who became Frederick Douglass would stage a dramatic escape, speak at the country's first abolitionist meeting, write an autobiography that astonished the world, and become a compelling advocate for freedom.

A new cornerstone reference for students, scholars, and general readers, on Frederick Douglass—his life, writings, speeches, political views, and legacy.

Like no other reference before it, The Frederick Douglass Encyclopedia celebrates and investigates the life, writings, and activism of one of the most influential African Americans in U.S. history.

The Frederick Douglass Encyclopedia offers more than 100 alphabetically organized entries covering Douglass’s extraordinary journey from childhood in bondage to forceful spokesperson for equality and freedom before, during, and after the Civil War. In addition to biographical details, the book looks at the full breadth of Douglass’s writings and speeches, as well as the events that shaped his intellect and political views. Together, these entries create an enduring portrait of one of the nation’s most iconic figures, a man who went from slavery to invited guest in Abraham Lincoln’s White House, whose commitment to freedom for all led to his participation in the first women’s rights conference at Seneca Falls, and whose profound influence ranged well beyond the borders of the United States.

• Comprises 100 alphabetically organized entries on the life, writings, activism, and influence of Frederick Douglass
• Presents a team of expert contributors providing insights into all facets of Douglass’ life and work
• Includes drawings and photographs of the life of Frederick Douglass
• Outlines a chronology of the major events of the life of Frederick Douglass and of the nation during his lifetime
• Provides a bibliography of print and online resources for further reading