One's first reaction is how could someone brought up under slave conditions have grown up to be one of the most eloquent speakers and influential political leaders in American history. The more one looks into his background the more one is aware of the "opportunities" Douglass had that helped him grow out of his initial disadvantages, e.g. help learning how to read. But perhaps the most compelling factor is simply that he was an extremely talented individual. While the Narrative is the highlight, the secondary pieces including Douglass's other writings, reviews and analyses, and modern literary criticism also provide important insights, making the Norton edition an important addition to the library. ( )