Postmortem: The Art of Rk Post

Customer Reviews:

Now That's Some Spooky Stuff.......2002-10-01

What a great book of RK Post's warped and beautiful visions of fantasy and horror. This hardcover book has a comprehensive selection of the cream of the crop (to date) that RK has painted and drawn, including Klick Klack, Unmask (Magic The Gathering card art), Avatar of Hope, Avatar of Will, and, yes, it has the girl gunslinger in the black duster coat as well.

I only wish that RK had put in comments for each of the works.

If you liked his paintings that appeared in the yearly Spectrum books, this would make a great addition to your library.

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One of my relatives

The Life of a Free Man

one of the founding American novels

Excellence in Achievement through the Human Spirit

Hard work and a positive attitude prevail

Frederick Douglass : Autobiographies : Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave / My Bondage and My Freedom / Life and Times of Frederick Douglass (Library of America)
Frederick Douglass
Manufacturer: Library of America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0940450798

Book Description

Frederick Douglass, born a slave, educated himself, escaped, and made himself one of the greatest leaders in American history. His brilliant anti-slavery speeches were so fiercely intelligent, and so startlingly eloquent, that many people didn't believe he had been a slave. To prove them wrong, Douglass decided to write his own story. His autobiographical narratives stunned the world, and have shocked, moved, and inspired readers ever since. Here, complete for the first time in one authoritative volume, are the three powerful and gripping stories, now recognized as classics of American writing. Fascinating firsthand accounts of slavery and abolitionism, John Brown and Abraham Lincoln, Civil War, Reconstruction, and the emerging struggle for civil rights, they are above all the inspiring story of a self-made American: a slave who became adviser to the President, minister to Haiti, and the most influential black American of the nineteenth century.

Customer Reviews:

One of my relatives.......2005-04-07

- As an author myself, I recommend that you purchase this book for personal study. "The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass" is a fascinating book and video that helped me understand one of my relatives.
Author. "Knowledge For Tomorrow" Quinton Douglass Crawford

The Life of a Free Man.......2002-09-05

Frederick Douglass (1818?-1895) was the greatest African American leader of the Nineteenth Century. He was born a slave on the Eastern Shore in Maryland and grew up on plantations on the Eastern Shore with several years in Baltimore. He was a physically powerful, highly intelligent, and spirited youth and developed quickly a hatred of the slave system. As a slave, he taught himself to read and write, and learned the art of public speaking from the church and from a book of orations popular at the time that feel into his hands. He escaped from slavery at the age of 20 and moved to New Bedford,Massachusetts. He became part of the Abolitionist Movement and achieved fame as a public speaker. He became a newspaper editor and writer. During the Civil War, he assisted in the recuritment of black troops. He met President Lincoln on several occasions and became a great admirer. In later years, Douglass was aligned with the conservative "stalwart" wing of the Republican party and continued to speak out for the rights of African-Americans, to oppose (somewhat belatedly) the end of Reconstruction, and to work for the life of the spirit and the mind.

Frederick Douglass wrote three autobiographies which are given in this volume. The first, shortest, and best was written in 1845, seven years after Douglass had escaped from slavery. It tells in graphic and unforgettable terms the story of Douglass' life as a slave, the growth of the spirit of freedom in himself. and the early part of his life as a free man in New Bedford.

The second autobiography was written in 1855. It repeats much of the earlier story and describes Douglass's visit to Great Britain. A higlight of this volume is the Appendix in which Douglass gives the reader excerpts from several of his speeches, including his perhaps most famous speech "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July."

Douglass wrote his third autobiography in 1888 and edited it substantially in 1893. It describes Douglass's relationship with Abraham Lincoln and John Brown. I also enjoyed the section of the book in which Douglass describes his trip to England, Italy, and Egypt near the end of his life. It is highly intelligent, perceptive and reflective travel writing. There are also excerpts in this final autobiography from Douglass's speeches and letters.

The most striking incident in all three volumes is Douglass's story of how he stood up for himself and became in his own eyes a man of dignity and courage. Douglass had been sent for a year to live with a small farmer named Covey who had a reputation for breaking the sprit of strong-willed slaves. Covey whipped Douglass unmercifully for the first six months. Then, after a whipping which left Douglass scared and weak for several days (he ran back to his old master who ordered him back to Covey) Douglass fought back. Covey attempted to whip Douglass and Douglass resisted. The two men fought hand-to-hand for hours. Douglass could not assume the offensive in the fight (it was enough to resist at all) but more than held his ground and had the better of it. Covey at last walked off and never whipped Douglass again. This incident is strikingly told in each autobiography and marks the moment when Douglass showed he could stand up for himself and not have the spirit of a slave. It is inspiring and it grounded his actions for the rest of his life.

There is much in these books that transcends the resistance against American slavery, utterly important as that is. We have, as I have tried to explain, in this book the voice of personal freedom and self-determination which is something every person must learn and undestand for him or herself in deciding how to live. In addition,I get the impression that as Douglass aged he became increasingly committed to the life of the mind and the spirit. This is apparent from his writing and from his interest in travel, in European high culture, art, literature, and music. Douglass learned the meaning for freedom. He tried to devote himself to matters of the spirit in addition to his lifelong quest to improve the lot of the former slave. I think there is still a great deal to be learned here.

Douglass had much to say about the nature of American freedom and democracy. He loved and had faith in them, in spite of the horrible stain of slavery. Here is a wonderful observation from the third autobiography in which Douglass' describes his activities during the Presidential campaign of 1888.

"I left the discussion of the tariff to my young friend Morris, while I spoke for justice and humanity....I took it to be the vital and animating principle of the Republican party. I found the people more courageous than their party leaders. What the leaders were afraid to teach, the people were brave enough and glad enough to learn. I held that the soul of the nation was in this question, and that the gain of all the gold in the world would not compensate for the loss of the nation's soul. National honor is the soul of the nation, and when this is lost all is lost. ... As with an individual, so too with a nation, there is a time when it may properly be asked "What doth it profit to gain the whole world and therby lose one's soul?"

There is a spirit and a wisdom in Douglass that still has much to teach.

As a man of the Nineteenth Century, Douglass tells us little in his autobiographies of his personal life. Upon his escape from slavery, Douglass married a free, uneducated black woman. Upon her death, Douglass married a white woman, which (as we see briefly in the book) caused shock among American whites and blacks alike. We also see little of Douglass' relationship to his children. The reader who would like to learn more about Douglass' personal life needs to read a biography, such as William McFeeley's "Frederick Douglass" (1891)

Douglass' autobiographies are are precious work of American literature and a testimony to the free human spirit.

one of the founding American novels.......2000-05-30

Once you read Douglass's narrative, you will be surprised that Douglass learned enough to be able to write the first narrative written by an uneducated slave. This is one of the most moving narratives you can read -- I challenge any reader to read this and not understand the irony of the white people supressing black people's accomplishments for hundreds of years. The story of Fredrick Douglas in inspiring on many different levels. Once you read it, any reader will understand why this is mandatory reading in any American literature course. It is impossible to understand life after the Civil War without reading this moving, touching novel about how a slave learned how to read and write. Douglass's autobiography is a great literary achievement which should be savored by all who read it both as a historical and literary document.

Excellence in Achievement through the Human Spirit.......1997-09-17

This account of Frederick Douglass'
life and time by Henry Louis Gates
is the personifaction of Excellence
in Achievement through the Human Spirit.
In spite of the hardships of slavery, Frederick Douglass continued his fight for freedom. His dynamic oratory and leadership helped him to move barriers for all people. This self educated man rose to great prominence to serve as a testament to the world that if you have courage, persistence and faith in God, you can achieve anything that you set your mind to. He knew the power of education and the spoken and written word, which is manifested in his creating the NorthStar newspaper to communicate to others. Of course you have to have mortal men who believe in you and your abilities.

I believe that Mr. Gates captures this strength, this conviction and the essence of Mr. Douglass' spirit and his commitment to make a better life for himself and others like him. His dynamic use of the language allows you to feel conviction and essence of Mr. Douglass' concern. It was like listening to Mr. Douglass speak to me through those pages.

I found this book very intriguing and educational. It has something for the world to learn from.

Thanks to Mr. Gates and others for bringing this great American (World) hero to the forefront. We need to know and share in the histor and spiriti of this great man. By the way I was named after Frederick Douglass. I strive to be like him as much as I can. I am still working on my oratory!

Hard work and a positive attitude prevail.......1997-03-09

Frederick Douglass is a role model for all mankind. He showed us how we can do anything we want in life if we are persistant and have the right attitude. Having nothing in life, not even a chance to become educated, he used every situation as an advantage for himself. He remained positive in adverse situations, had a good work ethic and is a person all races should take lessons from and succeed

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LIFE AND TIMES OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS
Frederick Douglass
Manufacturer: Scribner Paper Fiction
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass (Dover Value Editions)

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UP FROM SLAVERY-THE LIFE OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS
One of my Relatives
A powerful book, on many levels.

The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass (Dover Value Editions)
Frederick Douglass
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486431703

Book Description

Raised as a plantation slave, Douglass went on to become a writer, orator, and major participant in the struggle for African-American freedom and equality. In this engrossing narrative he recounts early years of abuse; his dramatic escape to the North and eventual freedom, abolitionist campaigns, and his crusade for full civil rights for former slaves.

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UP FROM SLAVERY-THE LIFE OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS.......2007-02-12

FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

At the start of the 21st century the international labor movement faces, as it has for a long time, a crisis of revolutionary leadership. That leadership is necessary to resolve the contradiction between the outmoded profit-driven international capitalist productive system and a future production system based on social solidarity, cooperation and production for social use. In America, at least, there is also a crisis of leadership of the black liberation struggle, which is tied into the labor question as well through the key role of blacks in the labor force. More happily in the 19th century in the struggle against slavery by the slaves and former slaves for black liberation there was such a leadership and none more important than the subject of this autobiography, Frederick Douglass. Even a cursory look at his life puts today `clean' black leadership in the shades.

That Frederick Douglass was exceptional as a fighter for black freedom, women's rights and as a man there is no question. His early life story of struggle for individual escape from slavery, attempts to educate himself and take an active political role on the slavery question rightly thrilled audiences here and in Europe. I, however, believe that he definitely came into his own as a revolutionary politician when he broke from Garrisonian non-resistant abolitionism and linked up with more radical elements like John Brown and the Boston `high' abolitionists like Wendell Phillips and Thomas Wentworth Higginson. This abolitionist element pointed the way to the necessary fight to the finish strategy, arms in hand, to end slavery that eventually came to fruition in the Civil War.

At one time I personally believed that Douglass should have gone with John Brown to Harpers Ferry. He would have provided a better grasp of the political and military situation there than Brown had and would have been forceful in calling out the slaves and others in the area to aid the uprising. In no way was my position on his refusal based on his personal courage of which there was no question. I now believe that Douglass more than made up for any help he would have given Brown by his work for an emancipation proclamation and for his calls for arming blacks in the Civil War to take part in their own emancipation. As such, it is well known that Douglass was instrumental in calling for the creation of the famous Massachusetts 54th Regiment, including the recruitment of two of his sons. Yes, 200,000 black soldiers and sailors under arms fighting to the death, and under penalty of death by the rebels, for their freedom is a fitting monument to the man.

Douglass, as well as every other militant abolitionist worth his or her salt, lined up politically with the new Republican Party headed by Lincoln and Seward before, during and shortly after the Civil War. However, the Republican Party ran out of steam as a progressive force fairly shortly after the war, culminating in the sell-out Compromise of 1877 which abandoned blacks to their fate in the South. Douglass, committed to emancipation, education and `forty acres and a mule' for his fellows stayed with that party far too long. When key elements of that party lost heart in the fight for black emancipation due to their racism and other factors, moved on to other more financially rewarding interests, or accepted the traditional white leadership of the South he also should have moved on to another progressive formation. Embryonic workers parties and other such progressive formations were raising their heads in the 1870's. I do not believe that office in the Consular Service in Haiti was worth continuing to support a party going in the wrong direction. Notwithstanding that point, if you want to read about the exploits of a `big man' in the history of the struggles of the oppressed, our history, when it counted this is your stop. Honor the memory of Frederick Douglass.

One of my Relatives.......2005-04-07

A powerful book, on many levels........1998-10-25

This book, written in Douglass' later years, not only lifted my spirits but did a great deal to reestablish my faith in humanity. This was a man who had every opportunity, and reason, to be bitter and/or vengeful. He, instead, chose to fight, with his intellect and his golden tongue, for what he, and others chained in slavery and social subservience, rightfully disserved as a member of our human race. He was a man of conviction and inner strength who taught himself to write with an elegance that I have never seen equaled. I strongly recommend this book.

Narrative Of The Life & Times Of Frederick Douglass

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Frederick Douglass by the author himself
The Story of an American Hero
A Quest for Man's Dignity
Every American must read this book

Narrative Of The Life & Times Of Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass
Manufacturer: Lushena Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1930097115

Book Description

This Eloquent and dramatic autobiography of the early life of an American slave was first published in 1845, when its author was twenty eight years old & had just achieved his freedom. Although it was not uncommon during the era of American slavery for articulate Blacks who escaped to have their experiences published, Narraive Of The Life & Times Of Frederick Douglass is unique among these slave narratives because of Douglass's eloquent power of expression.

Customer Reviews:

Frederick Douglass by the author himself.......2003-10-28

Frederick Douglass was born in Maryland and separated from his
mother in his infancy. His father was thought to be white.
He writes how slaves were given a monthly allowance for food.
Colonel Lloyd, an early slaveowner had 1000 slaves in his employ.
Douglass learned how to read and write under Master Hugh.
He spent some time with another owner -Mr. Covey. He worked hard
under Covey's stewardship; however, he was provided with good
tools to work the land. Douglass relates how he enjoyed quality
time spent with his grandparents. He had a brother named Perry
and sisters Sarah and Eliza. His father was unknown .
Douglass recounts how slaves were whipped due to oversleeping.
Occasionally, they were fed corn meal and tainted meat.
He enjoyed working for Mr. Freeland who had a more generous
temperament than the other slaveowners. Douglass relates
anti-slavery meetings in New Bedford and contributions from
Britains in order to commit his thoughts to formal publishing.
The more painful experiences were the starving, whipping, chaining and use of blood hounds to harass slaves.
Douglass writes with a superior style. The vocabulary and
sentence structure is excellent. This rendition is as fine
a work in English literature as other famous writers of the era.

The Story of an American Hero.......2002-12-05

If the reader did not know that the author was an ex-slave, who by his own tremendous efforts taught himself to read and write, you like many of his day would challenge the veracity of this story. Mr. Douglass was born into slavery on a Talbot County, Maryland plantation, and by sheer determination, and force of character, mastered the English language in a manner seldom seen before or since. His eloquence is only matched by his wit, sense of irony, along with a keen understanding of human behavior.

This narrative is the candid recollection of the early years of his life. His descriptions about daily life are powerful, thought-provoking, and extremely observant. He spares no detail about the harsh brutality of his life, both on the plantation, and later in Baltimore. The reader senses that Mr. Douglass was imbued with a sense never to accept his cruel fate.

He learned how to read and write from poor white boys on the docks of Baltimore. "I used to exchange pieces of bread, which they didn't have, for the bread of knowledge." His determination to become literate was fueled by his master's refusal to allow Mr. Douglass to learn formally. "I did not allow my master to keep me in mental darkness. If anything, it only strengthened my resolve."

He recounts his utter disappointment over the first failed escape attempt, and then describes his ultimate decision to try once again. He had been working as a caulker in Baltimore, but had to hand over his six or seven dollars in weekly wages to his master, who used to give him five cents. "At that time, I knew I could remain a slave no longer." Ultimately, he escaped his bondage, and became a life-long proponent of humane causes.

This is a powerful, candid, and superbly written story. It is an achievement of the human spirit by one of our most inspirational figures in American history.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this narrative.

A Quest for Man's Dignity.......2000-04-23

"The Narrative of the Life and Times of Frederick Douglass" provides an astounding look at the true face of slavery and the train of events that led to Frederick Douglass' escape from bondage. More than that, however, his simple rhetoric shows us the dignity of a man.

Through the years leading up to his eventual escape, we see how the slaveholders were afraid of the power of literacy--in itself a reason to teach this autobiography to high school students. We also grow to understand that force and violence were the only tools the owners had to keep their slaves (treated no differently than cows and pigs) compliant. This is a significantly different picture of slavery than romanticized works such as "Gone With the Wind."

The fact that Douglass did not try to exaggerate events, but related his life with simple honesty, gives power an credence to "The Narrative of the Life and Times of Frederick Douglass." A moving lesson for all races.

Every American must read this book.......2000-03-30

A brief and thrilling account of the actual life of an American slave in Maryland in the 1830's and 1840's. The scintillating and exquisitely precise prose is all the more amazing when you consider that Douglass had no formal education, and virtually taught himself to read and write. He pulls no punches, and anyone who ever thought even fleetingly that slavery was "not so bad" should read this page-turning powerhouse. Not to be missed on any account.

Life and Times of Frederick Douglass Written by Himself, His Early Life as a Slave, His Escape from Bondage, and His Complete History to the Present Time

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Life and Times of Frederick Douglass Written by Himself, His Early Life as a Slave, His Escape from Bondage, and His Complete History to the Present Time
Frederick Douglass
Manufacturer: Adamant Media Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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life and times of frederick douglas
A powerful book, on many levels.

Life and Times of Frederick Douglas
Frederick Douglass
Manufacturer: Peter Smith Pub Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Customer Reviews:

life and times of frederick douglas.......2004-05-16

This is a historical account of how inhumane the system of slavery was in the united states. It tells of the brutality and the sheer meanness of europeans who had everyday contact with African people. But the most poignant aspect of this account is that African people were put through this brutal treatment and still came out of the other end with more Humanity than the Oppressor. This is a must read for every person of African descent and for the last four generations of europeans who benefit from the privileges they enjoy as a result of that system.

A powerful book, on many levels........1998-11-10

Frederick Douglass: Freedom's Force (Time-Life History Makers)

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Frederick Douglass: Freedom's Force (Time-Life History Makers)
Melva Lawson Ware
Manufacturer: Time-Life Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0783554370

From slave to statesman: The life and times of Frederick Douglass, (A Falcon book)

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From slave to statesman: The life and times of Frederick Douglass, (A Falcon book)
Frederick Douglass
Manufacturer: Noble and Noble
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Library of Freedom: Life & Times of Frederick Douglas (Library of Freedom)

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Library of Freedom: Life & Times of Frederick Douglas (Library of Freedom)
Frederick Douglass
Manufacturer: Gramercy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Life & Times of Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass
Manufacturer: COLLIER BOOKS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000TXHEYS

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