Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass

The fact that D wrote the narrative himself is important bc it attests to his education and eloquence, and the capability of black men. Their testimony was important because many slave narratives at the time were ghostwritten and their lack of authorial authenticity diminished their truthfulness. This preface of G and Wendell (white men who were widely respected and prominent abolitionists) gave the Narrative, the endorsements it needed in order to raise the status of the book, and its potential for sales. He then expresses hope that the tones of the story shall reach many. It was added to the text because Wendell noted that D's narrative was also truthful and D deserves praise for writing the book. He was greatly moved by D's account and salutes his bravery to tell his story. On Wendell's side, he notes that he is glad that D is telling his story and that the facts of slavery will soon be well known.

This was included because it shows that G noted that the Narrative truly was written by D and his story showed how slaves are typically treated. He is impressed with D because of how much he had to deal with during slavery. G speaks earnestly about D, noting that he has a 'union of head and heart' which wins the heart of others. Garrison notes that Douglass has been successful and persuasive. After asking Douglass if he would help him promote the antislavery enterprise, Douglass hesitates but then decided to give it a try. In Garrison's statements, he recalls his first meeting with Douglass and how Douglass's speech about his life as a slave greatly impressed him and the rest of the audience.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass