Frederick Douglass

An item at American Writers Museum

In 1845, Frederick Douglass published his autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, which quickly became a best seller and a critical text in turning public opinion against slavery. Douglass was born into slavery in Maryland and escaped to freedom when he was 20. His Narrative is a powerful firsthand account of the brutalities of slavery and its dehumanizing impact.

Douglass was also a compelling orator. A firm believer that "right is of no sex; truth is of no color," he spoke out on behalf of civil rights, immigrants' rights, and women's suffrage. He was one of few men to attend the First Women's Rights Convention (1848) in Seneca Falls, New York.

AMERICAN VOICES

An exhibit at American Writers Museum

American writing is distinctive, diverse, and comes in many forms from across the nation. The 100 authors featured here represent the evolution of American writing. Learn more about each writer on the timeline by turning the panels below their portraits. Explore centuries of writing by pulling, turning, and touching the interactive elements on the counter.

This is not meant to be a list of the greatest or most influential writers. Instead, we present authors and works as part of the American story as it grows and changes. Taken together, this rich literary heritage reflects America in all of its complexity: its energy, hope, conflict, disillusionment, and creativity.

American Writers Museum