Up from Slavery: An Autobiography - Booker T. Washington

Up from Slavery: An Autobiography

By Booker T. Washington

  • Release Date: 1914-12-31
  • Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 632 Ratings

Description

An Apple Books Classic edition.

“I was born a slave…in the midst of the most miserable, desolate, and discouraging surroundings.” Thus begins Booker T. Washington’s account of his incredible journey from a child enslaved on a Virginia plantation to one of the leading speakers and educators of the late 1800s. Washington shares formative experiences. He recalls carrying books to school for his master’s children while wishing he himself could learn and tells the story of how, after his family was emancipated, he walked almost 500 miles to enroll in a new school for Black people. Washington went on to found the famous Tuskegee Institute so that he could help others in his community receive a good education.

Throughout his personal anecdotes, Washington expresses his belief in the importance of education for creating a future free from oppression, particularly for Black people. His autobiography, and the ideas expressed within its pages, continue to spark conversation today, more than 100 years after its publication.

Reviews

  • From Slavery to Success

    5
    By Cardinal One
    Booker T. Washington proved that anyone can succeed in America with determination to do your best. He feared GOD and in all he did he worked to do his best and GOD honored that. He established relations with both ethnicities and brought healing to a nation despite great obstacles.
  • Hero

    5
    By xadddddy
    Never really knew Booker T Washington’s story. I am forever changed by the events of his life and I’m inspired.
  • Amazing

    5
    By AitWrecka
    Amazing!!!!!
  • Up from Slavery

    5
    By samm2ndo
    Beautiful delivery of hope
  • An important message for modern black people

    5
    By Mister Sweetiepie
    The greatest desire for former slaves was for an education and the right to work to own their own property. Today, we claim the right to reparations for suffering that we never had to endure and the right to be supported by those who work. Where did we go wrong, and how can we claim the dignity that former slaves had? Today we welcome a new form of slavery, as well as enslaving those who support us, because it requires less work and effort than true freedom and respectability.
  • Booker T Washington

    5
    By Animoss
    Book should be required reading in our schools.
  • It is beautifully written and moving!

    5
    By TheDynamicNova
    It is beautifully written and moving! The rich stories Mr. Washington describes places your mind in his life alongside his struggles and triumphs so fully that I wept and rejoiced in equal turns. I felt like a friend taken along for the ride or like I was hearing this tale from a beloved grandfather trying to pass down the wisdom of hard worked years and well earned joys. Thank you for the lessons!
  • Should be Required Reading in Elementary School

    5
    By Gragmon
    This is an eye opening account of a man of great character. We would all do well to follow Booker T. Washington’s prescriptions for society, which are related as the remarkable story of Tuskegee Institute unfolds.
  • Very Good Historical Read

    5
    By LauraG-Fl
    I had not read about the life of Booker T. Washington before. He lead a very impressive life during a period in our history that deserved his forward thinking, stamina and dedication to the cause of racism in our Country. This autobiography has left me with a heartwarming feeling knowing in his time, post-slavery era, that there were people, both white and black, willing to help with the education and self-supporting work opportunities for those who were so neglected in these areas in the past. I think this book, in my opinion, with its historical significance should be read by all.
  • Up From Slavery

    3
    By O. Hugh Legister
    Timeless. It is about being a productive member of society. It gives insight to the strength of character and discipline required to serve and command respect.