Douglass's first autobiography.
The compelling story of the USA's most famous freedom-fighter is told in the National Library of Scotland's new display.
Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) was born into chattel slavery in Maryland, USA. When he was aged just 20 he escaped, and began his life-long anti-slavery campaign.
After publishing his first autobiography in 1845, in which he 'named and shamed' his white slave owners, Douglass fled to Britain. He was one of many anti-slavery campaigners to live and work in Scotland.
'Strike for Freedom' displays material from the Library's collections alongside loaned items from the Walter O and Linda Evans Collection. Together they present a picture of Douglass's commitment to social justice. This commitment was shared by his family: two of his sons had distinguished military careers during the American Civil War.
Walter and Linda Evans have collected over 100,000 items relating to African American authors and artists, including letters, books and manuscripts. Many of the exhibits from their collection are on show for the first time.
The display runs until Saturday 16 February. Read more in the Frederick Douglass display media release.
4 October 2018