Booker T. Washington: Volume 2: The Wizard Of Tuskegee, 1901-1915 (Oxford Paperbacks) Reprint Edition

by Louis R. Harlan (Author)

8 ratings

ISBN-13: 978-0195042290

ISBN-10: 0195042298

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The first volume of Louis R. Harlan's biography of Booker T. Washington was published to wide acclaim and won the 1973 Bancroft Prize. This, the second volume, completes one of the most significant biographies of this generation.

Booker T. Washington was the most powerful black American of his time, and here he is captured at his zenith. Harlan reveals Washington's complex personality--in sharp contrast to his public demeanor, he was a ruthless power borker whose nod or frown could determine the careers of blacks in
politics, education, and business.

Harlan chronicles the challenge Washington faced from W.E.B. Du Bois and other blacks, and shows how growing opposition forced him to change his methods of leadership just before his death in 1915.
Also available: Volume 1, $10.95k, 501915-6, 394 pp., plates

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"One of the most important biographies of our time....With this long-awaited second (and final) volume...Harlan has written the definitive biography of Booker T. Washington....He brings to life a man of enormous complexity, an enigmatic figure who offends our era's sensibilities and refuses to meet
our preconceived notions of how a great leader should behave."--Washington Post Book World

"From every standpoint a tour de force....Harlan's study of the Wizard of Tuskegee is in every respect definitive--a model of the demanding art of biography."--American Historical Review

"A major contribution to black history."--Southwestern Historical Quarterly

"A superb work of scholarship....To meet the challenge of a subject as complex, difficult and treacherous as Washington calls for a biographical talent of a high order. Mr. Harlan's writing displays all the necessary skills and art...[He] deserves honors for his remarkable achievement."--C. Vann
Woodward, The New York Times Book Review

"A magnificent biography....[Harlan] throws into relief the man, his era--and the larger problem of pragmatic temporizing in the face of racial injustice."--Newsweek

"The best biography of an Afro-American....Combining sympathy and critical detachment with a sure eye for complexity and ambiguity, Harlan has used his unparalleled knowledge of the Washington papers to dismantle the wall of circumlocution, indirection, and masked purpose with which Washington
surrounded himself and to probe deeply the multiple facets of his very active life."--Journal of Southern History

"Harlan does a masterful job of unmasking his complex subject within the context of the social forces that shaped him."--Journal of American History

"A brilliant completion of what will stand as the definitive biography of Booker T. Washington."--Herbert Shapiro, University of Cincinnati

From the Back Cover

This book begins in 1901, when Booker T. Washington at the age of forty-five was approaching the zenith of his fame and influence, and ends with his death in 1915. It is a biographical study in the sense that its focus is on the complex, enigmatic figure of Washington, the most powerful black minority-group boss of his time.

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Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Oxford University Press; Reprint edition (December 4, 1986)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 562 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0195042298
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0195042290
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1630L
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.06 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.38 x 5.6 x 1.39 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #2,001,431 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #333 in Genetics (Books)
- #746 in Civil Rights

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Gretchen

What a wonderful place to attend college

Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2017

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After reading Bookers own writing first, this book dissappointed me in some ways. THe author seems to have his own mind made up in a critical way against Booker T Washington on more than a few places in the book. I think the collection of information is very rich, but to be read with a grain of salt knowing the author had his own assumptions, and no way to prove them. Seems Louis Harlan judged BTW on Harlans societal leanings 50 plus years later. Harlan, nor us, has little idea of the turn of the century mindset that might have directed some of BTW's actions. I think one needs to read to learn about history and keep in mind not to judge yesterday by today.

I was very excited to recently visit Tuskegee University and it really made his story come alive to me to walk such a lovely campus, to walk on BTW's front porch and to receive all the kind smiles and greetings from the students as I walked around. What a wonderful place to attend college. I think he would be very pleased that it is still there today. Sad that the surrounding area was nothing.

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FrugalDutchman

The Standard Work

Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2012

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In 1901, Booker T. Washington published his autobiography, calling it Up From Slavery. The book was widely popular, especially among Northern philanthropists who admired Washington's work ethic and rags to riches success story. But for many African Americans during the Progressive Era, it seemed that little had changed since the days of slavery. As Washington stood at the pinnacle of his career, blacks lost political and civil rights they had earned during the Reconstruction. Naturally, some of the blame for the failure of blacks to "rise up" was directed at Washington, whose industrial education scheme had been deemed realistic but anachronistic and a plea to the white man to "grant us freedom please."

But Washington was secure in his philosophy and defended it to the end. As an advisor to President Roosevelt he gained extra political clout, but he was already well connected. Washington used his financial and political bargaining chips to confront opponents like William Monroe Trotter, a black Harvard graduate whose Boston movement charged Washington with perpetuating black subordination. Washington was engaged in a propaganda war against Trotter and others. For political tact, he always referred to his opponents as an impossibly small and spoiled vocal minority. At what became known as the "Boston Riot", Washington found himself peppered with loaded questions from an audience stacked with Trotterites, a group whose misbehavior at the event landed a number in jail. In response to the verbal attack, Washington invited Trotter's leading supporters to conferences, only to overwhelm and embarrass them in return. W.E.B. DuBois' Niagara Movement was an attempt to remedy the lack of unity in the black community. DuBois, the arch-opponent and major alternative leader to Washington, had difficulty, however, spreading his message beyond the "talented tenth", those blacks who were college educated.

Washington's Tuskegee Institute grew, benefiting from large gifts from Northern industrialists. Washington befriended admirers like steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, and appeared to have genuine relationships with such men. There was no indication that the industrialists wanted anything but to support black improvement. But Tuskegee suffered a tension between its academic and industrial wings, and even the students expressed some unrest with the system, albeit only when Washington was away. Washington mistrusted academics and argued that their salaries at Tuskegee should remain low as a sacrifice to the system, the rigorous way of life Washington propounded. Washington was a southerner, and surviving in the South his personality exhibited a number of paradoxes. He might joke about black college graduates to appease white friends. Concerning imperialism in Africa, Washington approached the issue with his same tested self-help philosophy. He turned down trips to Africa but counseled the federal government to help protect and promote democracy and economic growth in Liberia.

Harlan's most interesting chapter is a retelling of the events surrounding the "Ulrich Affair", Washington's evening assault and arrest in New York City. Taken for a burglar in a run-down neighborhood, Washington was attacked by an irate German immigrant. Washington fled for safety; the assailant pursued him until the two came to a police officer. When the case was sorted out, and Washington's identity realized, the charges were redirected from Washington to Ulrich. Ulrich was eventually acquitted. What the case highlighted however, was the comparative power of a nationally-known black leader from the South versus a low class white immigrant in the North. Washington's true reason for being in a bad neighborhood at night was never satisfactorily answered and added to the enigma of the man. While the case had not ended with a conviction, Washington was encouraged by continued support among whites.

In his later years, Washington kept active on the speaking circuit, but his health and energy gradually left him. Work was his life, and when he could no longer work, he suffered a nervous breakdown. Washington had few personal relationships and fewer friends. His relationships were professional: with his secretary Emmet Scott or his ghostwriter, sociologist Robert E. Park. He even seemed distant to his family. In the end, Washington found it "impossible to reform and accommodate a system." (237) As Washington faded from the scene, Woodrow Wilson ascended into the White House with support and recognition from white supremacists.

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Braulio Castro

Great Book and Price

Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2014

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This transaction was a great experience. Prime works great, I had great communication, buyer was approachable and no issues if a return was required. The item was a great quality product for a great price, look around and see your options. This amazing way of doing business is great. Two day shipping is awesome. I hope this helps, Good Luck.

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Andreas Banks

Great Book and Great Service

Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2010

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I ordered the book because I wanted a more comprehensive and expansive biography of Principal Booker T. Washington. Before President Obama,Principal Washington was the most world known and powerful man of color in America. Because of his political/educational views, he is sometimes one of the more misunderstood man in America. He ascend the American scene upon the death of Frederick Douglass. Principal Washington lived to see so many of the gains of The American Reconstruction in the South undermined by law and statue and he also witness retreat by the Federal Government and civil society regarding the aspirations of many black Americans.

While this book not be the written regarding Booker T. Washington,it will take its place on the "must read" list of any thoughtful lover of American History.

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Booker T. Washington: Volume 2: The Wizard Of Tuskegee, 1901-1915 (Oxford Paperbacks) Reprint Edition

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