The Story of My Life and Work (Barnes & Noble Library of Essential Reading)

By Booker T. Washington and Marcus Bruce

In the summer of 1899, Booker T. Washington visited Europe to rest from his demanding schedule. Yet everywhere he turned, he encountered French and American scholars, politicians, businessmen, abolitionists, and average citizens eager to hear him tell the story of his life.  The former slave had earned a college degree, taught at the black freedman college Hampton Institute, gained a national reputation touring the country as an educational lecturer, founded a successful industrial college for African Americans, received an honorary degree from Harvard, and delivered a single speech that was heard across the country and which transformed Americans understanding of their racial problems.  This is his life story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barnes & Noble
• Release date: Sep 1, 2009
• ISBN: 9781411429284

Booker T. Washington

Booker T. Washington (1856–1915) was a prominent figure in the African American community and a champion of higher education. He was born into slavery and obtained freedom shortly after the Emancipation Proclamation. As a child, he worked manual jobs to help support his family, but aspired to receive a formal education. He enrolled in Hampton Normal Agricultural Institute in Virginia and thrived as a student. After graduating, Washington embarked on a career as a lecturer and leader of the Tuskegee Institute. He also worked as a political advisor to presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Taft.

Reviews for The Story of My Life and Work (Barnes & Noble Library of Essential Reading)

[histreader · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I expected this to be a re-hash of Up From Slavery, but was glad to see it was more than an addendum to, what turns out to be, an slightly abridged memoirs. This book is a greatly expounded upon version of his first book but continues where Up From Slavery left off. A truly humble man, he did not seem to be stifling an urge to be self-congratulatory; rather, he gives all the accolades to his students and those who helped increase the size of the Institute he established. Similarly, he is in awe of the audience of his speech at the 1895 Cotton States and International Exposition, he is excited about his performance but applauds the acceptance he garnered from those in attendance.Booker T. Washington is maligned by many who tend to be more militaristic, but his story proves one need not be aggressive and confrontational to advance a groups betterment.