The Heroic Slave

A Powerful Story of Courage, Freedom, and the Fight for Justice — and the Only Work of Fiction by Frederick Douglass

The Heroic Slave is the singular piece of fiction written by Frederick Douglass, one of America’s foremost abolitionists and orators. Based on the true story of Madison Washington, an enslaved man who led a daring rebellion aboard the Creole slave ship in 1841, this historical novella is a vivid dramatization of courage and the unyielding quest for liberty.

Douglass wrote The Heroic Slave in response to a request from the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society for a contribution to their collection, Autographs for Freedom. Drawing on his own lived experience—born into slavery as Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey in Maryland, escaping bondage in 1838, and rising to become a powerful voice for emancipation—Douglass imbues the story with authenticity and passion.

Known for his compelling oratory and seminal autobiographical works, Douglass’s only fictional work powerfully dramatizes the human spirit’s resistance against oppression. The Heroic Slave celebrates the bravery of Madison Washington and his fellow captives, offering readers a stirring portrayal of sacrifice, dignity, and hope.

This edition offers:

• The full historical novella by Frederick Douglass

• Context on Douglass’s life as a former slave turned abolitionist leader

• A vivid retelling of a pivotal slave ship revolt

• Themes of heroism, freedom, and resilience that resonate today

Ideal for readers of historical fiction, African American history, and powerful narratives of justice, The Heroic Slave stands as a timeless testament to resistance and the enduring fight for human dignity.

Discover the courage that changed history and the story that continues to inspire freedom seekers worldwide.