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Up from Slavery Audiobook
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(3.75) - 72 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Booker T. Washington fought his way out of slavery to become an educator, statesman, political shaper, and proponent of the “do it yourself” idea. In his autobiography, he describes his early life as a slave on a Virginia plantation, his steady rise during the Civil War, his struggle for education, his schooling at the Hampton Institute, and his years as founder and president of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, which was devoted to helping minorities learn useful, marketable skills. He gives an account of his travels, speeches, and meetings with various leaders, including Theodore Roosevelt in the White House. Employing a didactic tone, Washington deftly sets forth his belief that the black man’s salvation lies in education, industriousness, and self-reliance. This is the true-life story of a man of real courage and dedication.
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"Up From Slavery is an awesome read. Booker T. Washington was a man of uncommon drive, he did not allow his circumstances to limit him in any way. He set out to make a difference in his life and that is exactly what he did..... This book took me to another dimension, one that has caused me to keep reaching higher heights. Thanks B.T.W."
— Jeanette (5 out of 5 stars)
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“Nineteenth-century African American businessman, activist, and educator Booker Taliaferro Washington’s Up from Slavery is one of the greatest American autobiographies ever written. Its mantras of black economic empowerment, land ownership, and self-help inspired generations of black leaders, including Marcus Garvey, Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm X, and Louis Farrakhan…The potency of his philosophies are alive today in the nationalist and conservative camps that compose the complex quilt of black American society.”
— Amazon.com editorial review -
“Remains one of the most important works on such an influential African American leader.”
— Professor Delia Crutchfield Cook, University of Maryland -
“This book is a must-read.”
— Professor Warren C. Swindell, Indiana State University -
“This book is definitely a classic, and I have used it every year in my African American history course.”
— Professor W. Marvin Dulaney, College of Charleston -
“Reading Up from Slavery has provided my students with an opportunity to encounter a key figure in African American history on his own terms. It has provided them with greater insight into the mind of this man and his times.”
— C. Matthew Hawkins, Carlow College -
“One of the most important primary sources in African American history.”
— Roy E. Finkenbine, Hampton University
Awards
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An Audible.com Bestseller
Up from Slavery Listener Reviews
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" This is a must read. "
— Marjorie, 2/18/2014 -
" Historically important and very interesting. Reads like books from the 19th century! "
— Alice, 2/12/2014 -
" This book was really interesting especially since Booker was pretty much writing it for white people and acted as kind of a mediator between those of his race and of the oppressing race. Unfortunately, his tact backfired and now he isn't as respected as he should be for all he has done for America. "
— Tani, 2/6/2014 -
" After studying Washington's life in history I have gained a new respect for him after reading this. I will be adding this to my 'want to teach' list. "
— Chelsea, 2/4/2014 -
" It was inspirational and fun to read. "
— Linda, 1/23/2014 -
" Haven't finished but what we read of it was good, although sometimes a bit too detailed in mundane facts not really relevant to telling the story. "
— Tiffany, 1/11/2014 -
" Great book about the life of Booker T. Washington. "
— Andria94, 1/11/2014 -
" Must read for any African-American. "
— Demetrius, 1/11/2014 -
" I thought that this autobiography was interesting, but rather slow. I did not enjoy Booker T. Washington's prose at all. I did, however, enjoy the passage early on in the book when he talks about his passion to get a hold of books and develop a library in, essentially, a milk crate! "
— Candice, 12/26/2013 -
" Really interesting. Simplistic, you really feel the era he wrote in (early 1900's)) "
— Patti, 12/14/2013 -
" Really 3 and a half stars "
— Alice, 12/7/2013 -
" On the one side, it's your typical slavery book. Sad stories, southern persecution, and faint hope of the slaves throughout. But it's a good book. I wouldn't recommend this very fast, but it's ok. "
— Luke, 12/5/2013 -
" A wonderful picture of not only living a life serving others with our skills and talents, but in teaching others to do the same. Here are lessons we all need to be reminded of. "
— John, 9/21/2013 -
" First half about being born a slave, working in a coal mine, and seeking an education against all odds was really great, but the second half was all self-aggrandizement and a scatterbrained and repetitive advertisement for Tuskegee. "
— Timothy, 5/17/2013 -
" It is amazing how much effort those without education will put forth to receive an education. It is only when our greatest freedoms are denied us that we realize their importance. If every student worked this hard to become educated, then we would have a revolution in education in America. "
— Heather, 10/30/2012 -
" This was a very inspiring book of a man coming up from slavery to produce one of the first institutes of vocational learning in the country. "
— Kathy, 7/20/2012 -
" He was able to raise above his situation and focus on the positive things. He had an intrinsic sense to recognize what was needed and pass this on to others, "
— Tamhack, 6/7/2012 -
" Amazing story and very inspiring leader. "
— Mary, 5/20/2012 -
" What an amazing and inspirational life. If only the people of today carried on his refusal for bitterness against others. This one I will read again because his life and example have much to teach and help. "
— Rebecca, 2/4/2012 -
" He was able to raise above his situation and focus on the positive things. He had an intrinsic sense to recognize what was needed and pass this on to others, "
— Tamhack, 6/24/2011 -
" He was able to raise above his situation and focus on the positive things. He had an intrinsic sense to recognize what was needed and pass this on to others, "
— Tamhack, 6/24/2011 -
" I've read far better stories about struggle and sacrifice, from slave narratives to Invisible Man, and never before have I encountered such gross pomposity. It was, at times, dripping with pretend love for white people and himself. Couldn't stand it toward the end. "
— Christina, 6/17/2011 -
" I've read far better stories about struggle and sacrifice, from slave narratives to Invisible Man, and never before have I encountered such gross pomposity. It was, at times, dripping with pretend love for white people and himself. Couldn't stand it toward the end. "
— Christina, 6/17/2011 -
" This man was AMAZING! Why do we not study him in depth like King and others? Booker T. Washington believed hard work and self-reliance got you where you needed to be in life. This man said what he meant and meant what he said. I really wish we studied him more in history class. "
— Crystal, 6/10/2011 -
" This man was AMAZING! Why do we not study him in depth like King and others? Booker T. Washington believed hard work and self-reliance got you where you needed to be in life. This man said what he meant and meant what he said. I really wish we studied him more in history class. "
— Crystal, 6/10/2011 -
" I thought that this autobiography was interesting, but rather slow. I did not enjoy Booker T. Washington's prose at all. I did, however, enjoy the passage early on in the book when he talks about his passion to get a hold of books and develop a library in, essentially, a milk crate! "
— Candice, 3/24/2011 -
" I thought that this autobiography was interesting, but rather slow. I did not enjoy Booker T. Washington's prose at all. I did, however, enjoy the passage early on in the book when he talks about his passion to get a hold of books and develop a library in, essentially, a milk crate! "
— Candice, 3/24/2011 -
" I was really impressed with the writing style and honesty of BTW. Very good book! You can't beat the price on the kindle! I love my new kindle! "
— Katy, 3/18/2011 -
" I was really impressed with the writing style and honesty of BTW. Very good book! You can't beat the price on the kindle! I love my new kindle! "
— Katy, 3/18/2011 -
" This was one of the most informational reads of my young life. Love Booker T. Washington one of the great heroes of the civil rights fight. Self-empowerment was the song of his heart and what he sought to teach his students and followers. "
— Kathy-ann, 3/13/2011 -
" This was one of the most informational reads of my young life. Love Booker T. Washington one of the great heroes of the civil rights fight. Self-empowerment was the song of his heart and what he sought to teach his students and followers. "
— Kathy-ann, 3/13/2011 -
" Resisted this choice for our Book Club but absolutely loved it. Written at the turn of the century, it is a simple journal of a sensible man who influenced many lives, from the era of slavery, through Reconstruction, to the end of his life. "
— Sherry, 3/9/2011 -
" Resisted this choice for our Book Club but absolutely loved it. Written at the turn of the century, it is a simple journal of a sensible man who influenced many lives, from the era of slavery, through Reconstruction, to the end of his life. "
— Sherry, 3/9/2011 -
" Just started this classic, and it is excellent so far. "
— Greta, 2/16/2011 -
" Just started this classic, and it is excellent so far. "
— Greta, 2/16/2011
About Booker T. Washington
Booker Taliaferro Washington (1856–1915), founder of Tuskegee Institute, was a leading educator, author, and statesman who rose from slavery to become internationally famous.