Douglass-Great Speeches by Frederick Dou

Author abolitionist political activist and philosopher Frederick Douglass was a pivotal figure in the decades of struggle leading up to the Civil War and the Reconstruction era. This inexpensive compilation of his speeches adds vital detail to the portrait of a great historical figure. Featured addresses include What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? which was delivered on July 5 1852 more than ten years before the Emancipation Proclamation. Had I the ability and could reach the nation's ear I would today pour out a fiery stream of biting ridicule blasting reproach withering sarcasm and stern rebuke Douglass assured his listeners For it is not light that is needed but fire; it is not the gentle shower but thunder. We need the storm the whirlwind and the earthquake. Other eloquent and dramatic orations include Self-Made Men first delivered in 1859 which defines the principles behind individual success and The Church and Prejudice delivered at the Plymouth County Anti-Slavery Society in 1841.