1 / 2Picturing Frederick Douglass: Illustrated Biography
Picturing Frederick Douglass is an illustrated biography centered on the historic photographs that document Douglass’s life and public image. It brings together 160 photographs, related artwork, captions, and writings on visual aesthetics, making it especially relevant to readers interested in Douglass, photography, and nineteenth-century history.
At a glance
- Chronologically arranged photographs span from around 1841 to 1895, according to the listing.
- Includes paintings, statues, satirical cartoons, and other representations of Douglass.
- Features Douglass’s writings on visual aesthetics, alongside an introduction, section headnotes, an essay by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and an afterword by Kenneth B. Morris, Jr.
Reference price: $49.95
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Combines a substantial photographic record with contextual artwork and historical captions.
- Adds Douglass’s own writings about visual aesthetics, extending the subject beyond biography.
- Customer feedback specifically praises the photographs, text, and historical content.
Cons
- At 3.64 pounds and 12.4 inches tall, the listed book is a substantial volume rather than a particularly portable read.
Technical specifications
11 specifications| Publisher | Liveright |
|---|---|
| Publication date | November 2, 2015 |
| Edition | Illustrated |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 320 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0871404680 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0871404688 |
| Weight listed | 3.64 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9.4 x 1 x 12.4 inches |
| Photographs of Frederick Douglass | 160 separate photographs |
|---|---|
| Illustrations | 317 illustrations |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in Frederick Douglass’s life and historical photography.
- Collectors or Douglass enthusiasts seeking a heavily illustrated reference volume.
- Readers exploring the relationship between photography, race, and nineteenth-century American history.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a compact, lightweight book or a text-only biography.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
92% 92% - 4 stars
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0% 0% - 2 stars
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Customer feedback highlights the photographs, text, and historical information, with some readers describing the volume as a keepsake for Douglass enthusiasts. That response aligns with its stated focus on an extensive photo collection and contextual material, though these opinions do not establish how every reader will value the book.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the photographs and illustrations.
- Readers respond positively to the content and historical information.
Frequently asked questions
What does the book include besides photographs?
The listing also describes paintings, statues, satirical cartoons, captions, and Frederick Douglass’s writings on visual aesthetics.
How many photographs and illustrations are listed?
The description specifies 160 separate photographs of Douglass and 317 illustrations.
Is the photography presented chronologically?
Yes. The listing says the photographs are chronologically arranged, spanning from around 1841 to 1895.
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