Up from Slavery: An Autobiography


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.7 stars; 259 reviews)

Up From Slavery is the 1901 autobiography of Booker T. Washington detailing his slow and steady rise from a slave child during the Civil War, to the difficulties and obstacles he overcame to get an education at the new Hampton University, to his work establishing vocational schools—most notably the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama—to help black people and other disadvantaged minorities learn useful, marketable skills and work to pull themselves, as a race, up by the bootstraps. He reflects on the generosity of both teachers and philanthropists who helped in educating blacks and native Americans. He describes his efforts to instill manners, breeding, health and a feeling of dignity to students. (Summary from Wikipedia) (7 hr 58 min)

Chapters

Preface/Introduction 24:14 Read by Andy Yu
A Slave Among Slaves 37:09 Read by Andy Yu
Boyhood Days 28:56 Read by Tom Crawford
The Struggle For An Education 31:02 Read by Tom Crawford
Helping Others 22:56 Read by John W. Michaels
The Reconstruction Period 18:00 Read by Jay Vance
Black Race And Red Race 16:30 Read by Lorelle Anderson
Early Days At Tuskegee 18:16 Read by Katie Riley
Teaching School In A Stable And A Hen-House 22:55 Read by Jay Vance
Anxious Days And Sleepless Nights 21:26 Read by Jay Vance
A Harder Task Than Making Bricks Without Straw 22:52 Read by Ancient mariner
Making Their Beds Before They Could Lie On Them 17:36 Read by Crash
Raising Money 27:05 Read by mwalimu
Two Thousand Miles For A Five-Minute Speech 25:11 Read by Lorelle Anderson
The Atlanta Exposition Address 24:09 Read by Preston McConkie
The Secret Of Success In Public Speaking 35:09 Read by Anna Roberts
Europe 41:09 Read by Jim Clevenger
Last Words 43:37 Read by Fr. Richard Zeile of Detroit

Reviews

Insightful autobiography


(5 stars)

I found the first person account of life in the South in the years immediately after the Civil War to be very engaging and challenging. The grinding poverty of the former slaves was appalling. I was particularly caught by Mr. Washington's emphasis on oral hygiene and daily baths. We take so much for granted in our day to day lives and don't realize that when the motivation is dehumanization, deprivations of this sort are amazingly effective. So of course, once freed, the former slaves must be taught the norms of civilized society. I sit back and wonder whether some of the views he expressed were influenced by political and social realities of his day, and his goal of advancing his race through the work of the Tuskegee institute. I know people much more knowledgeable than I have debated such questions. But on a very personal and human level, you can't help but admire and respect what Mr. Washington did to improve his own life, and those of the people around him of all races. This is a Librivox group recording. It was a bit odd hearing the first two chapters of this book in particular read with a Chinese accent, but all of the readings were clear and very well done.

up for slavery


(5 stars)

it really explains the everday events that slaves went through

Excellent


(5 stars)

A classic. A great primary source for anyone interested in American history.

The Great Awakening


(5 stars)

prior to listening to this book, Booker T Washington was only a historical figure recognized only by his picture and classified as a compromiser on the issue of slavery. However my perspective has changes andmu level of respect for this great human being has elevated. He handled the situation that life gave him and followed the impulse of his heart and God gave him a practicle solution to the "Negro" problem. Some of the readers more easily understood than others however the compilation of the readers addede the greatness of this work..

My life is better because of this book


(5 stars)

This is a story of humble heroism with which all Americans should become acquainted. Washington’s accomplishments are both personal (to see how far a former slave was able to make a happy life for himself) and professional (his accomplishments were tangible and meaningful), as well as his impact as a leader in improving the condition of an oppressed people. We in the 21st century would do well to embrace the same principles of labor, diligence, integrity, and humility that Washington emulates.

GREAT BOOK!


(3.5 stars)

This is a very good book! I looked his views on race prejudice and how to overcome, I was very inspired by him and his longing for an education and dedication to humanity and God. But as far as the recording goes... almost every chapter was read by a different person and this keeps knocking off my focus and image of Mr. Washington himself. But overall it was great. Thanks Libri volunteers!!!

Excellent reading


(5 stars)

Great book, and great readings by all involved. My only issue is with the sound corruption (clicking and skipping) in the final chapter, which was extremely distracting and really took the wind out of the sails of the piece right at the end, but other than that, it was a delight to listen to all the readings. A lot to think on after this listen.

the reading is horrible


(1 star)

I love the book, but the reading is horrible. For the first two chapters, it was fine, i got used to the reader. Then they changed it, then they added women to read, when a guy is narrating the book. Sorry, but yaa... I love this book, though