The Souls of Black Folk
The Souls of Black Folk is a classic work of American literature by W. E. B. Du Bois. It is a seminal work in the history of sociology, and a cornerstone of African-American literary history.To develop this groundbreaking work, Du Bois drew from his own experiences as an African-American in the American society. Outside of its notable relevance in African-American history, The Souls of Black Folk also holds an important place in social science as one of the early works in the field of sociology.
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Community Reviews
The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois is a seminal work in African American literature and sociology. Published in 1903, the book is a collection of essays that explores the lives, struggles, and aspirations of Black Americans in the post-Reconstruction era. Du Bois introduces the concept of "double consciousness," describing the inner conflict Black people face as they navigate a world that simultaneously devalues their identity while imposing societal expectations. Through his personal reflections and sharp critique of racism, segregation, and inequality, Du Bois offers a profound analysis of the African American experience, making The Souls of Black Folk an enduring classic in the fight for racial justice.
It took me a while to get used to the language in this set of essays published in 1903. DuBois was a brilliant scholar and an astute and unflinching observer of humanity. These essays are each preceded by a verse from some classical text, plus a phrase or two of music. Then he goes on to explore some topic in depth. Over and over, I needed to remind myself that these words were over 100 years old, because their truth is the reality of our racial divide today. We have made no progress.
I've been listening to this book, courtesy of Librivox.org, for a while now. Not because it was boring or a bad book. Mainly because it's very in-depth and serious. To me, this is the kind of book that is almost impossible to read in one sitting.
As an aside, the reader for this particular book was extremely good. He provided music and was a great, steady reader. http://librivox.org/souls-of-black-folks-by-web-du-bois
This is a book containing several essays on being an African American among a white society. Published in 1903, it contains 14 essays ranging from initial slavery and Booker T. Washington to the songs of sorrow that are popular among the African American population. Some of the especially poignant essays are about young black men trying to make more of themselves, only to be pushed aside and treated very poorly by white people. Of The Coming of John and Of Alexander Cummell were two of the best essays, in my opinion.
All in all, this was an excellent book that gives insight into how the African Americans dealt with the lives they were given.
Also available on Project Gutenberg: http://gutenberg.org/files/408/408-h/408-h.htm
As an aside, the reader for this particular book was extremely good. He provided music and was a great, steady reader. http://librivox.org/souls-of-black-folks-by-web-du-bois
This is a book containing several essays on being an African American among a white society. Published in 1903, it contains 14 essays ranging from initial slavery and Booker T. Washington to the songs of sorrow that are popular among the African American population. Some of the especially poignant essays are about young black men trying to make more of themselves, only to be pushed aside and treated very poorly by white people. Of The Coming of John and Of Alexander Cummell were two of the best essays, in my opinion.
All in all, this was an excellent book that gives insight into how the African Americans dealt with the lives they were given.
Also available on Project Gutenberg: http://gutenberg.org/files/408/408-h/408-h.htm
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