Up From Slavery: An Autobiography

Up From Slavery: An Autobiography by Booker T. Washington, published by a.L. Bert, 1901

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Up From Slavery" tells the life story of Booker T. Washington, a famous black educator and activist of the 19th and 20th century. Washington began life as a slave and rose to help found Tuskegee Institute, one of the most famous black technical colleges in the country. He wrote early in the book, "My life had its beginning in the midst of the most miserable, desolate, and discouraging surroundings. This was so, however, not because my owners were especially cruel, for they were not, as compared with many others" (Washington 1). He then goes on to discuss his life, his accomplishments, and his desire to spread learning and discussion among the black American community. Near the end of the book, Washington was granted an honorary degree from Harvard University, and a newspaper of the day wrote, "The work which Professor Booker T. Washington has accomplished for the education, good citizenship, and popular enlightenment in his chosen field of labour in the South entitles him to rank with our national benefactors" (Washington 301). Thus, the book follows him through his life, travels, and accomplishments.

The book is well written in a lively style, even though some of the language and style seems a bit archaic, as it is over 100 years old and written in the style of the day. Analysis of the book and Washington's life continues to this day. One reviewer discussing the 100th anniversary of the book wrote, "The overarching message that Washington intended, [...] was not acceptance of disfranchisement and segregation but rather a message of progress,' a message that he tied to 'a defense of black education' -- and not just industrial education" (Anderson). Washington gained an education himself, and then went on to become a teacher and head of Tuskegee, all during a time when few blacks enjoyed the luxury of an education and a professional career. He continued this important work throughout his lifetime, and when he died in 1915, most remembered him as one of the most influential black men of his time. Another historian notes that W.E.B. DuBois wrote upon Washington's death, "The death of Mr. Booker T. Washington marks an epoch in the history of America. He was the greatest Negro leader since Frederick Douglass, and the most distinguished man, white or black, who came out of the South since the Civil War'" (Dagbovie). DuBois was also critical of Washington, however, and felt that he sometimes submitted to the will of whites, and lived between the black and white communities, attempting to get along with both (Dagbovie). Many other historians dispute this theory, feeling Washington maintained a healthy relationship with blacks and whites, and did much good for the black community.