Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave by Frederick Douglass

In this firsthand account, Frederick Douglass describes his early life in bondage, the brutal conditions of slavery, and his journey toward literacy and self-liberation. As he learns to read and question his condition, he resolves to escape and claim his freedom. The narrative exposes the cruelty of slaveholders, the hypocrisy of religion, and the power of education. The plot is intensely personal, culminating in Douglass’s transformation into a powerful abolitionist voice. It’s a foundational work of American history and human rights.