Ossie Davis reads excerpts from Frederick Douglass's autobiography, edited by Dr. Philip Foner, which traces the abolitionist and statesman's life from early childhood through to his most significant political accomplishments. This first volume establishes the personal and educational foundation on which Douglass built his distinguished career, specifically addressing his birth into slavery, his battle to learn to read and how being forced to "drink the bitterest dregs of slavery" inspired his escape. (See also FW05526 Autobiography of Frederick Douglass, Vol. 2.)