'The problem of the twentieth-century is the problem
of the color-line.' Originally published in 1903, The
Souls of Black Folk is a classic study of race, culture,
and education at the turn of the twentieth century. With
its singular combination of essays, memoir, and fiction,
this book vaulted W. E. B. Du Bois to the forefront of
American political commentary and civil rights activism.
The Souls of Black Folk is an impassioned, at times
searing account of the situation of African Americans in
the United States. Du Bois makes a forceful case for the
access of African Americans to higher education,
memorably extols the achievements of black culture
(above all the spirituals or 'sorrow songs'), and
advances the provocative and influential argument that
due to the inequalities and pressures of the 'race
problem', African American identity is characterized by
'double consciousness'. This edition includes a valuable
appendix of other writing by Du Bois, which sheds light
on his attitudes and intentions. ABOUT THE SERIES: For
over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made
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globe.Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's
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expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful
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further study, and much more. |
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