Focusing on the 19th-century struggles of women, particularly African American women, this essay by W. E. B. du Bois examines the complex intersections of race and gender. It highlights the societal pressures and prejudices that shaped their experiences, offering a critical perspective on the challenges they faced during this era. The work serves as a poignant commentary on the broader implications of gender and race in society.
The autobiography chronicles the life of a young Black boy who rose to become the first African American PhD at Harvard, alongside his roles as an educator, editor, and activist. Du Bois's narrative, structured according to his manuscript notes, begins shortly after the Emancipation Proclamation and reflects on his experiences and choices, including his embrace of communism. His lyrical prose articulates enduring societal inequities, making his insights relevant for contemporary readers who grapple with similar frustrations.
1936 reist der afroamerikanische Soziologe W. E. B. Du Bois zu einem mehrmonatigen Forschungsaufenthalt ins nationalsozialistische Deutschland. Als scharfer Kritiker des Rassismus in seinem eigenen Land beobachtet er den Antisemitismus und die Entrechtung der Juden im "Dritten Reich". Seine wöchentlichen Reportagen aus diesen Monaten erscheinen hier zum ersten Mal in deutscher Sprache. Du Bois berichtet über die Wagner-Festspiele in Bayreuth und das Deutsche Museum in München, über deutsche Bierlokale und die Olympischen Spiele in Berlin, bei denen auch schwarze Sportler antreten. Mit der Vertrautheit des Deutschlandkenners und dem fremden Blick des schwarzen Amerikaners betrachtet er die totalitäre Diktatur. Du Bois beobachtet entlang der "Farbenlinie", "along the color line", und stellt überrascht fest, dass er persönlich kaum Diskriminierung erfährt. Umso mehr erschüttert ihn die Verfolgung der Juden: «Sie übertrifft an rachsüchtiger Grausamkeit und öffentlicher Herabwürdigung alles, was ich je erlebt habe», fasst er seine Eindrücke zusammen, «und ich habe einiges erlebt».
W. E. B. Du Bois was one of the most important American authors of the
twentieth century. While he is best known for his writings on themes of Black
social and political life in the United States, this volume highlights his
critical insights into empire and global politics.
Exploring the historical contributions of African Americans, W. E. B. Du Bois presents a compelling narrative that challenges traditional views of American history. Through a series of essays, he highlights the vital roles played by Black individuals in shaping the nation, from labor and military service to the arts and women's rights movements. Du Bois argues against the myth of inferiority and seeks to rectify the historical record, asserting that the African American experience is integral to America's identity and culture. This edition revives a classic of African American literature for contemporary audiences.
John Brown's fervent commitment to abolitionism, driven by a profound moral conviction against slavery, led him to advocate for armed insurrection as a means of achieving freedom. His 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry, though unsuccessful, marked a pivotal moment in American history, intensifying the divide between pro and anti-slavery factions and setting the stage for the Civil War. W. E. B. Du Bois's 1909 biography paints Brown as a passionate leader whose dedication to his ideals transcended conventional power structures. This edition features premium acid-free paper.
The Comet (1920) is a science fiction story by W. E. B. Du Bois. Written while the author was using his role at The Crisis, the official magazine of the NAACP, to publish emerging black artists of the Harlem Renaissance, The Comet is a pioneering work of speculative fiction which imagines a catastrophic event not only decimating New York City, but bringing an abrupt end to white supremacy. "How silent the street was! Not a soul was stirring, and yet it was high-noon?Wall Street? Broadway? He glanced almost wildly up and down, then across the street, and as he looked, a sickening horror froze in his limbs." Sent to the vault to retrieve some old records, bank messenger Jim Davis emerges to find a city descended into chaos. A comet has passed overhead, spewing toxic fumes into the atmosphere. All of lower Manhattan seems frozen in time. It takes him a few moments to see the bodies, piled into doorways and strewn about the eerily quiet streets. When he comes to his senses, he finds a wealthy woman asking for help. Soon, it becomes clear that they could very well be the last living people in the planet, that the fate of civilization depends on their ability to come together, not as black and white, but as two human beings. But how far will this acknowledgment take them? With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of W. E. B. Du Bois? The Comet is a classic work of African American literature reimagined for modern readers.--Amazon
Du Bois' radical text is a rare statement of values formed around the vision
of a collective life, where the humanity of black women and men is treated
with dignity and equality. He expresses his themes through a series of
literary forms: polemic essay, prayer, poetry and short science fiction.
Exploring the complexities of race and identity, this seminal work by W. E. B. Du Bois comprises a series of essays reflecting his personal experiences as an African American. Published in 1903, it serves as a cornerstone of African-American literature and significantly contributes to the field of sociology, marking one of the early analyses of race relations in America. The book's insights into the struggles and resilience of Black Americans make it a vital text in understanding both historical and contemporary social issues.
