Before the Mayflower: A History of Black America [Paperback]

Lerone Bennett Jr. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 28, 2007 | ISBN-10: 0874850002 | ISBN-13: 978-0874850000 | Edition: 8 Revised

The black experience in America—starting from its origins in western Africa up to the present day—is examined in this seminal study from a prominent African American figure. The entire historical timeline of African Americans is addressed, from the Colonial period through the civil rights upheavals of the 1960s and 1970s. The most recent scholarship on the geographic, social, economic, and cultural journeys of African Americans, together with vivid portraits of key black leaders, complete this comprehensive reference.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...one of the top 10 influential black books...Highly recommended." -- Black History 365, Volume Two Issue Two, Autumn 2008.

About the Author

Lerone Bennett Jr. is the author of 10 books, including Forced Into Glory, winner of the 2002 American Book Award, Great Moments in Black History, Pioneers in Protest, The Shaping of Black America, and What Manner of Man? He is the executive editor emeritus of Ebony magazine. He lives in Chicago.

Product Details

• Paperback: 784 pages
• Publisher: Johnson Publishing Company, Inc.; 8 Revised edition (October 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874850002
• ISBN-13: 978-0874850000
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #830,339 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Well researched, with quite a bit of bias October 11, 2006

By Samuel Benjamin

Format:Paperback

Regardless of Mr. Bennett's apparent biases, and sometimes lofty criticisms of white America, this book is a remarkable read. When writing about such an emotional and intense subject, I believe it is impossible to be completely objective, especially when the topic involves the oppression and suppression of your own people. That being said, the author does a good job of remaining as objective as possible throughout the bulk of the book. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about the history of black America.

31 of 45 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent handling of such a broad subject!! February 7, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Before the Mayflower is a book as a historian is something that I have used to get my students to have a more clear understanding of African-Americans in America. The writing of Mr. Bennett is easy and very thought provoking. In reading this book you will come to know things and see Black Americans in a light as you never have before!

41 of 60 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful,brilliantly written,thought-provoking,humbling. October 14, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

This is a compelling book that, once begun, is difficult to put down. Be warned - only emotionally secure, mentally balanced people with a global perspective and genuine desire to learn would be able to appreciate the depth, scope and meaning of this book. This will be a very difficult book for some on both sides of the color line. It makes one wonder at the biblical saying "the first shall be last and the last shall be first..." Hmmm..