1883 FREDERICK DOUGLASS. Final Edition of His Most Substantial Autobiography. Anti-Slavery & Abolition.

Frederick Douglass [1818-1895] journey from enslavement to the most significant civil rights activist of the 19th century has made him an ongoing source of inspiration for those who believe in and pursue racial equity, gender equity, and for those who believe that democracy works best when it includes all. 

After escaping from slavery in Maryland, Douglass became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in Massachusetts and New York, during which time he gained fame for his oratory and incisive antislavery writings. He wrote three autobiographies, describing his experiences as an enslaved person. His first, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave (1845), became a bestseller and was influential in promoting the cause of abolition. It also led to his having to flee the country for England from late 1845 through 1847.

The present volume is the final life-time edition of his final autobiographical effort. It was published by only the Ohio publisher, dropping the original partners from the 1882 edition located in San Francisco, Cleveland, Chicago, and Hartford. It is quite a bit more unusual on the market than the 1882 example, though with no material changes we can detect other than the 1882 edition notes the prints on glossy paper, with this edition having them on matte finish paper. Includes a frontis engraving of Douglass and 17 full-page illustrations. 

In addition to his anti-slavery work, he also actively supported women's suffrage, and he held several public offices. Without his knowledge or consent, he became the first African American nominated for vice president of the United States, as the running mate of Victoria Woodhull on the Equal Rights Party ticket. He believed in dialogue and in making alliances across racial and ideological divides. 

Douglass, Frederick. Life and Times of Frederick Douglass. Written by Himself. His Early Life as a Slave, His Escape from Bondage, and His Complete History to the Present Time, Including His Connection with the Anti-Slavery Movement; His Labors in Great Britain as well as His Own Country; His Experience in the Conduct of an Influential Newspaper; His Connection with the Underground Railroad; His Relations with John Brown and the Harper's Ferry Raid; His Recruiting the 54th and 55th Mass. Colored Regiments; His Interviews with Presidents Lincoln and Johnson; His Appointment by General Grant to Accompany the Santo Domingo Commission; Also to a Seat in the Council of the District of Columbia; His Appointment as United States Marshal by President R. B. Hayes; Also His Appointment by President J. A. Garfield to be Recorded of Deeds in Washington; with Many Other Interesting and Important Events of His Most Eventful Life; with an Introduction by Mr. George L. Ruffin, of Boston. Cleveland, Ohio. Hamilton, Rewell & Co. 1883. 618pp. 

A good - example in heavily rubbed original cloth, through at points. Volume slightly cocked forward, both hinges through paper with mull exposed and shaken. Minor to moderate foxing throughout. One signature slightly forward in the text block. All bound securely, but should be handled with care.