A critical edition of one of the most influential literary documents in American and African American history   “This edition is the most valuable teaching tool on slavery and abolition available today. It is exceptional.”—Nancy Hewitt, Distinguished Professor Emerita, Rutgers University   Ideal for independent reading or for coursework in American and African American history, this revised edition of the memoir written by Frederick Douglass (1818–1895) of his life as a slave in pre–Civil War Maryland incorporates a wide range of supplemental materials to enhance students’ understanding of slavery, abolitionism, and the role of race in American society. Offering readers a new appreciation of Douglass’s world, it includes documents relating to the slave narrative genre and to the later career of an essential figure in the nineteenth-century abolition movement. “This is the most thoughtful collection of materials to accompany a major primary text that I have seen. The editors deserve particular commendation for including a section on teaching Douglass’ narrative.”—Craig Kaplowitz, Judson University “The primary document sections are especially valuable as teaching aids. They supplement the narrative and allow readers the opportunity to explore for themselves Douglass’s influences and challenges.”—Jennifer Helgren, University of the Pacific “Carefully selected to provide diverse perspectives on distinct aspects of Douglass’ life and story, the primary sources offer a fascinating window into the early nineteenth century worlds in which he lived. This edition is the most valuable teaching tool on slavery and abolition available today. It is exceptional.”—Nancy Hewitt, Distinguished Professor Emerita, Rutgers University Frederick Douglass (1818–1895) was an African American abolitionist and social reformer, author, orator, and statesman. John R. McKivigan is Mary O’Brien Gibson Professor of History at Indiana University–Purdue University, Indianapolis. Peter P. Hinks is a well-published author of scholarly monographs and documentary volumes. Heather L. Kaufman is a research associate of the Douglass Papers.