Product Details

• Format: Black & White, Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: A&E Home Video
• VHS Release Date: November 18, 1997
• Run Time: 50 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0767001206
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #206,680 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Frederick Douglass, the self-taught orator, writer, and abolitionist who was born a slave in the South and made a brave escape to the North, was in the words of one historian: "A major figure in the coming of the Civil War, and the way the Civil War was fought. I think you can say he was the conscience of the nation." Douglass campaigned Lincoln to free the slaves and allow African Americans to serve in the nation's army. An early proponent of women's rights, he campaigned for equal rights for all people and he served as America's first African American statesman when he was appointed diplomat to Haiti. He continued his public-speaking engagements up to his death in 1895 at the age of 78. The comments and analyses of numerous historians and excerpts from the writings and speeches of Douglass present a man driven by a dream, and who worked to make that dream a reality to the end of his days. With no contemporaries alive to comment on the private man, and only brief autobiographical excerpts included from his own works, this portrait tends to simplify the controversies of his life (his second marriage to a white woman rocked even the "liberal" North) and deify the man, but few Americans deserve such tribute more than Frederick Douglass. --Sean Axmaker

Product Description

As a young man, he experienced the brutality of slavery firsthand. As a leader of the abolitionist movement, he became one of Americaís great voices. Frederick Douglass stumbled upon his calling, giving an impromptu address at an antislavery convention in 1841. A "recent graduate from the institution of slavery with his diploma on his back," he quickly became a powerful symbol of freedom. His brilliant speeches and tireless work greatly furthered the cause of the abolitionists. This program chronicles Douglassí incredible life, from his childhood in slavery to his work on behalf of the freed slaves after the Civil War. Rare photographs, archival material and extensive interviews with leading historians offer a revealing portrait of a remarkable man.Biography presents the story of a lifelong struggle for justice the life of Frederick Douglass.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Courage and Conscience, March 14, 2002

By 

Eric H. Roth "English teacher/conversationali... (Venice Beach, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Biography - Frederick Douglass [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This accessible overview of Douglass' turbulent life from slavery and persecution to crusading newspaperman and presidential adviser should inform and inspire viewers. This biography recreates the prejudiced atmosphere where the myth of racial inferiority reigned in the South to justify slavery and in the North to rationalize indifference to human suffering. Douglass' fiery speeches still speak to our highest aspirations as Americans united by the creed that "all men (and women) are created equal."

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Production, October 24, 2009

By 

Peachteach (Georgia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Biography - Frederick Douglass (A&E DVD Archives) (DVD)

As a teacher of Advanced Placement high school juniors, I thoroughly recommend this DVD. Each year we read Douglass' Narrative, and this video is an excellent enrichment tool for the students after reading the text. The production is well-done and quite interesting. It is a worthwhile purchase.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars To be Real, October 3, 2001

By 

Colenso Campbell (Doylestown,, Pennsylvania United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Biography - Frederick Douglass [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This story being a part of history goes without challenge in my mind because, the reports as recorded cannot change what was the way of living then.This is the story of a challenged man , challenged not only by the society that he was a part of but also his own personal being. A must for history enthusiasts.