THE BLACK O’CONNELL OF THE UNITED STATES

The Black O’Connell of the United States

James Durney

First published in the United States and Ireland in 1845, the Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass – An American Slave dealt a mortal blow to American slavery. Its author, an escaped slave, arrived in Ireland for a four-month lecture tour as the country was descending into the nightmare of the Great Famine.
Ireland embraced Frederick Douglass with an openness that transformed the young African-American. His encounter with Daniel O’Connell left an indelible impression on his worldview. He departed Ireland an internationalist, determined to oppose injustice and oppression wherever he encountered it and retained a life-long respect and affection for Ireland.
Douglass achieved iconic status in US history as an author, orator, suffragist, statesman and diplomat. A recognised founder of the Civil Rights Movement, he is considered a hero by leaders such as President Barack Obama.
To coincide with the visit of President Obama to Ireland in May 2011 Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass – An American Slave was re-published by ‘A little book company,’ Dublin. This unique and expanded edition contains: letters and speeches from Ireland; details of his escape from slavery; defence of the Narrative; lecture on Haiti; and letters from descendants on the occasion of President Obama’s inauguration. The foreword is by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, and the afterword is by Tom Arnold, CEO, Concern Worldwide. The volume is edited and introduced by bestselling author and humanitarian Don Mullan. All royalties go to Concern Worldwide’s Haiti Programme.
Ireland was the first country outside of the United States to publish Narrative. The 2011 edition of the book was printed by Naas Print Ltd., Naas, Co. Kildare, for Beta Printing Services. Two copies were sent from Naas to the White House for the occasion of President Obama’s visit.

To coincide with the visit of President Obama to Ireland in May 2011 Narrative of the life Frederick Douglass – An American Slave was re-published