Customer Reviews

W. E. B. Du Bois: A Reader

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Most Black History fans think they have DuBois figured out. You either hate him for his haughtiness and elitism or you love his militant stands. This collection of DuBois' writings shows that the truth was somewhere in between. We see DuBois change his mind on Marcus Garvey and the elitist "Talented Tenth" idea. We see DuBois evolve from Integrationism to Black Nationalism to Communism. We basically see a man who is not afraid to change his ideas and admit his errors, a very human and complex man.

If I liked Du Bois before, I love him after purchasing this collection of essays! I have enjoyed reading through all of them

These are published essays and columns brought together and presented topically (not chronologically) - a very readable book.

I got it specifically to understand better the long-term rift between the labor movement and the NAACP. Labor has always treated blacks as useful stepping stones. DuBois (as a Socialist) understood very well that his loyalties were divided.

Class solidarity is all well and good in a homogenous society, but in America the racism of the labor movement means that the white working class is united against the capitalists and ALSO against minorities. DuBois's expose' of this fundamental problem is important.

Great use of language, very quotable. Well written pro-socialism propaganda is always worth savoring, and WEB DuBois writes lyrical pro-socialism propaganda. No good timeline, but the introduction is excellent.

In the end, socialism is evil. DuBois doesn't quite get there, but his consternation over the talented tenth joining the bourgeoisie and leaving the working-class cause, and his APPROVAL of them for doing so, shows him trending in the direction of liberty instead of tyranny.