"An acclaimed historian's definitive biography of the most important African-American figure of the 19th century, Frederick Douglass, who was to his century what Martin Luther King, Jr. was to the 20th century."--Provided by publisher.

First things --A childhood of extremes -- The silver trump of knowledge -- Baltimore dreams -- Now for mischief! -- Living a new life -- This Douglass! -- Garrisonian in mind and body -- The thought of writing for a book! -- Send back the money! -- Demagogue in black -- My faithful friend Julia -- By the rivers of Babylon -- My voice, my pen, or my vote -- John Brown could die for the slave -- Secession : taught by events -- The kindling spirit of his battle cry -- The anthem of the redeemed -- Men of color to arms! -- Abolition war, abolition peace -- Sacred efforts -- Othello's occupation was gone -- All the leeches that feed on you -- Ventures -- What will peace among the whites bring? -- An important and lucrative office -- Joys and sorrows at Cedar Hill -- Watchman, what of the night? -- Born traveler -- Haiti : servant between two masters -- If American conscience were only half-alive -- Epilogue: Then Douglass passed.