Customer Reviews

A Small Nation of People: W. E. B. Du Bois and African American Portraits of Progress

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The story of the pictures that W.E.B. Du Bois collected for the Paris World's Fair in 1900 is really inspiring and fascinating. He had only four months to make an entire exhibit -- when the vast majority of exhibitors participating had far longer. Years in some cases! And yet Du Bois triumphed. Plus the pictures are beautiful and surprising. Don't miss this book if you or your family is interested in American History.

It it the last photo in this book that I believe leaves the most indelible impression on my mind. The photo is of a young woman/girl smiling as if she hasn't a worry in the world. One cannot help but be moved inexpressively by her picture.

The book is composed of photographs of black Americans that were part of the world exhibition showing the "progess" of men in the 1900's. W.E.B. Du Bois put the photographs together for show to contradict the negative stereotypes of blacks of his day. In each of picture you see men and women at work, play, or just in imtimate photographs meant to give to a loved one, friend, or to show their own personal achievement and status to the world and their community.
There are black Americans of every beautiful hue in the book from dark to very light, each a protrait of personel dignity and integrity who did not make Faustian deals for fame and forturne like all to many blacks in the popular culture of Hollywood and the media today, especially if they are exceptioanlly light. The men and women in this book challeged the prejudices against them instead of catering to it, a lesson for anyone regardless of race, religion, or sexuality.

This is a book that should not be purchased by only blacks, but whites as well and others seeking just to understand the history and diversity of black America beyond what popular culture wants you to think or sell you.

W. E. B. DuBois says in the opening page, A SMALL NATION OF PEOPLE
is "an honest, straightforward exhibit of a small nation of people,
picturing their life and development without apology or gloss, and
above all made by themselves..." This book displays
portraits of African-Americans in a way that shows the progress made
in the 20th century, and they dispel the negative connotations we've
grown accustomed to seeing in the media, in the newspapers and even
in the history books of today.

Once part of the Paris Exhibition, these pictures speak volumes
individually and collectively and show a special type of pride, a
certain strength that isn't displayed in commercial venues such as
movies. It was wonderful seeing all types of buildings, landscapes
ranging from Georgia to Washington D.C. and also seeing businessmen,
such as Warren C. Coleman, the owner of the only Negro-owned cotton
mill in the United States at the time the picture was taken.

With essays by David Levering Lewis & Deborah Willis, centered
around the beautiful portraits of a culture, A SMALL NATION OF
PEOPLE, is a must-have for every African-American or those interested
in the diversity of our race. From the hairstyles, to the clothing,
to the actual hue of the skin, this book talks to you and shares the
pride of a people determined to make it despite having recently come
out of slavery.

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

I love African American photography, and this book is a wonderful example of the images that we don't often see: the African American middle class. This makes an excellent gift for a history and/or photography buff.

I got exactly what I ordered in a good condition. I received it in an orderly time.

I first discovered this little treasure while reading a book review in Ebony magazine. I was immediately drawn to this title because 1. it was by Du Bois, 2. the book featued pictures of African-Americans that were displayed during the World's Fair in Paris-1900. I enjoyed looking at the vintage photographs but the only downfall is that some of the photographs are not labeled and i would have also appreciated a longer description on the photographs. overall this is a great book for the entire family to enjoy for generations to come.