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Dick Gregory
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Nigger Mass Market Paperback – November 15, 1990

by Dick Gregory (Author), Robert Lipsyte (Contributor)
4.8 out of 5 stars 1,598 ratings
“Powerful and ugly and beautiful…a moving story of a man who deeply wants a world without malice and hate and is doing something about it.” —The New York Times

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I understand there are a good many Southerners in the room tonight. I know the South very well. I spent twenty years there one night…”

“Last time I was down South I walked into this restaurant, and this white waitress came up to me and said: ‘We don't serve colored people here.’

“I said: ‘That’s all right, I don’t eat colored people. Bring me a whole fried chicken.’

“About that time these three cousins come in, you know the ones I mean, Klu, Kluck, and Klan, and they say: ‘Boy, we’re givin’ you fair warnin’. Anything you do to that chicken, we’re gonna do to you.’ About then the waitress brought me my chicken. ‘Remember, boy, anything you do to that chicken, we’re gonna do to you.’ So I put down my knife and fork, and I picked up that chicken, and I kissed it.”
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  1. Print length
    224 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Pocket Books
  4. Publication date
    November 15, 1990
  5. Dimensions
    4.19 x 0.6 x 6.75 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0671735608
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0671735609
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dick Gregory was an American civil rights activist, social critic, writer, entrepreneur, cultural icon, and comedian who first performed in the 1950s. He is the author of more than a dozen books, most notably the bestselling classic Nigger: An Autobiography. He died in 2017.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pocket Books
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 15, 1990
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0671735608
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0671735609
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.99 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.19 x 0.6 x 6.75 inches
  • Best Sellers Rank: #1,442,114 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 1,598 ratings

About the author

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Dick Gregory

Dick Gregory

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Dick Gregory was an unsparing and incisive cultural force for more than fifty years. A friend of such luminaries as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Medgar Evers, Gregory was an unrelenting, lifelong activist against social injustice, whether he was marching in Selma during the Civil Rights movement or organizing student demonstrations to protest the Vietnam War, participating in rallies for Native American and feminist rights or fighting apartheid in South Africa.

Known as much for his comedic achievements—as an actor, author, and social critic—as for his activism, Gregory was the forebearer of today’s new generation of black comics and always kept it real when discussing race in America, fearlessly lacing laughter with controversial truths.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
1,598 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this autobiography to be a powerful and required read, praising it as one of the best biographies about Dick Gregory's life. The book is educational, with one customer noting it serves as a history lesson about the civil rights movement, and customers appreciate its humor that makes them both laugh and cry. Customers describe the pacing as moving, with one review highlighting its exploration of racism and poverty, and they value its authenticity, with one noting how the content remains relevant today.

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ReadabilityBiographyStory qualityEducation valueHumorPacingAuthenticityBeauty
174 customers mention "Readability"172 positive2 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as an amazing and interesting read that should be required reading.

"...Great book." Read more

"...Excepting the things you can't change and changing the ones you can. Great read!" Read more

"This is a great book by Mr. Dick Gregory. I would highly recommend this as an addition to your library. Mr. Gregory has an amazing story...." Read more

"Great Read!" Read more

30 customers mention "Biography"30 positive0 negative

Customers praise this autobiography as one of the best biographies, highlighting Dick Gregory's amazing life story.

"...I also not only learned a lot about this great man...but what also motivated and moved him to excel in the manner in which he did his entire life,..." Read more

"...got in circles of groups there was so much to talk about he was an amazing man that helped the black cause in the 1960s" Read more

"...Doesn't get better then reading a book by a great comedian and a powerful activist! BUY IT!!!!" Read more

"...He was one of the best comedians of all time especially in the 60's, he did a lot for the comedians in 2024...." Read more

27 customers mention "Story quality"24 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the stories in the book, with one customer particularly appreciating the detailed account of Dick Gregory's childhood.

"...A great and powerful story!" Read more

"...He had a strong, loving and supportive wife that was also a part of the Civil Right Movement. This book will leave you wanting more...." Read more

"...Gregory's story is still inspiring, even after more than 40 years...." Read more

"...Has all of the great stories and urban realities that led through his growing up years and rise in show business and his 'branching out' as a..." Read more

25 customers mention "Education value"25 positive0 negative

Customers find the book educational, with one review noting it serves as a history lesson about the civil rights movement, while another highlights its unique perspective on modern social issues.

"...of life before, and during, the fame is eye opening and educational. There were passages here that caused me to pause. No, to stop...." Read more

"...Just from an historical perspective, it's amazing and incredibly informative, but Gregory's humor, courage, perseverance, and insights also make..." Read more

"Dick Gregory, big fan of this blessed and intelligent elder." Read more

"...personalities and sages this world ever produced, this book is a great place to start." Read more

17 customers mention "Humor"17 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's humor, describing it as both hilarious and emotional, making readers laugh and cry.

"R. I. P. Dick Gregory is Dick Gregory. Funny and educational." Read more

"A tear jerker,funny and knock your breath away as well!!!!" Read more

"The power of comedy as both an art and a vessel to see Dick Gregory rise as an important figure in the civil rights movement...." Read more

"...This novel is one that has it's funny moments, moment that will make you shake your head in sad understanding and it will definitely make you think..." Read more

16 customers mention "Pacing"13 positive3 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book moving, with one customer describing it as a personal account of living with poverty and racism, while another notes its strong sense of civil rights.

"Great read.. powerful, moving, motivational funny, and beautiful. I couldn't put the book down. Read the entire book in one day." Read more

"...I love the fact that it gives such a human and personal account of living with poverty and rascism...." Read more

"...IT IS WELL PRESERVED. THERE ARE NO MARKINGS OR TEARS, AND THE COVER JACKET IS ENCLOSED IN CLEAR REMOVABLE PLASTIC...." Read more

"This is an amazing book. The beginning brought me to tears....." Read more

11 customers mention "Authenticity"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's authenticity, with several noting its truthfulness, and one customer highlighting how the content remains relevant today.

"...but found a greater calling as an activist delivered in a touchingly authentic and unaffected voice...." Read more

"Gregory told his story in an extremely honest way. It starts off almost in a reflective state, with him speaking to his mother in his own way...." Read more

"...that this book was written decades ago but still has portions that ring true today is amazing and it explains why his passion is still so strong...." Read more

"...The book is still true To This Day!!!" Read more

10 customers mention "Beauty"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's beauty, with one review noting its exceptional job of painting a great picture, while another describes it as an inside look into the world.

"...A behind the scene look of how one of our most treasured comedic icons became a civil rights leader and brought about change in the 60s...." Read more

"...He paints a clear picture of his family's life of poverty in his youth, his outstanding athletic gifts in high school and of the hatred and..." Read more

"...This is an inside look into that world. One of the best examples of how education is one of the most valuable parts of society." Read more

"What a beautiful look into the past and see the harsh reality.A black man does not have the caliber of respect as a white does...." Read more

Great book, very powerful and moving
5 out of 5 stars
Great book, very powerful and moving
Great read.. powerful, moving, motivational funny, and beautiful. I couldn't put the book down. Read the entire book in one day.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Olimba Smith
    5.0 out of 5 stars Believe in yourself
    Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I learned so much about Dick Gregory from childhood up until the late 60's. Mr. Gregory was strong and very intellectual. Through all the hard times he had in his life, he did a lot for his family while being a part of the Civil Right Movement. He was one of the best comedians of all time especially in the 60's, he did a lot for the comedians in 2024. I have the utmost respect for Mr. Gregory about reading this book. He always believed in himself and took a lot of chances in life. He had a strong, loving and supportive wife that was also a part of the Civil Right Movement. This book will leave you wanting more. I highly recommend this book.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Mina
    5.0 out of 5 stars After all of these years, still revelatory
    Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2024
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    The power of comedy as both an art and a vessel to see Dick Gregory rise as an important figure in the civil rights movement. An incredible read that touched me and made me laugh.
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  • T.V. Terry
    5.0 out of 5 stars NOW I KNOW WHY THIS BOOK IS TITLED AS IT IS
    Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    A very great and insightful read on the younger Richard Claxton Gregory, from his growing up poor and impoverished in St. Louis, to his prowess as a prep track star, his discovering his penchant for comedy, his stint in the U.S. Army, his making a go for it as a comedian, meeting his wife, Lilian, striking it big as a comedian...to finally finding a further calling as an activist during the Civil Rights Movement. Though the book ends as 1963 gives way to 1964, it is easy to see how and why this book is specifically titled as it is. I also not only learned a lot about this great man...but what also motivated and moved him to excel in the manner in which he did his entire life, which ended last month, sadly, at 85. Yet, though this book wants you to read more...fortunately, there is more to come in the subsequent books he did author...up untilwhat would become his final one, which was released a week ago. I have that one on my Kindle app all set and ready to go. And when I get there, I will write of and on that one as well. But, to get an introduction on one of the foremost personalities and sages this world ever produced, this book is a great place to start.
    24 people found this helpful
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  • Christine Moore
    5.0 out of 5 stars Still inspiring, after 40 years
    Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2006
    Verified Purchase
    Another great testament of how hard work and determination bring good results. Gregory's story is still inspiring, even after more than 40 years. Prior to reading his book, if I had to use a few words to describe what he was about, I could only think of "the Dick Gregory diet" and ex-comedian. Although I had heard that he was involved in the Civil Rights movement, I didn't realize the extent of his involvement, nor his impact. I have a new level of respect for him. I also noticed that in the latter years-from 1960 to 1964 when the book was written, his activism took center stage and his comedy was barely mentioned.

    Many poignant moments are in the book, of course. For instance, during a rally, a white man spat in his face, and due to the non-violent nature of the rally, he simply allowed the spit to drain into his mouth as he responded with sarcastic but peaceful words to the offender. I cannot ever afford to forget what others went through for me to enjoy the advances in equality today.

    The style of writing is also effective. It flows smoothly, and I was able to read the book within a three day period. No portion of the book dragged on with unnecessary details, in my opinion. The 209 pages were well used.
    15 people found this helpful
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  • ritarose
    5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    This is one of the best books I've ever read! Everyone should read it. It is thought provoking and it is moving on a spiritual level. It is a fascinating autobiography of a man who gained fame as a comedian but found a greater calling as an activist delivered in a touchingly authentic and unaffected voice. I love the fact that it gives such a human and personal account of living with poverty and rascism. The way he describes his struggles as an individual participating in demonstations against segregation help you appreciate how much personal sacrifice went into the civil rights movement, but that isn't even the best part. When he talks about about seeing the picture on the black church that was bombed and seeing that the blast had taken out the eyes of Christ and wondering what a blinded Christ means you have to wonder what it means too. He says he doesn't know what he has become a part of but he knows it is bigger than he is and he can't stop it. His speech toward the end is also incredibly moving and you know that what he is a part of is bigger than him and even bigger than the monumental things he has experienced, including the civil rights movement. This is a wonderful, deeply affecting book. This review isn't even doing it justice. PLEASE READ IT!
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Steve
    4.0 out of 5 stars A powerful book.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This book took me back to my childhood, back to the black and white TV in my living room in the South Bronx. I watched the fire hoses and the dogs and the southern hate all over again. And four dead children in a church. I was reminded that progress had been made by Medger, by MLK, by Ali and a host of others. But I also know that the hate in some white peoples hearts and living rooms never went away. It was just silenced for a time, resting under rock hard hearts waiting for a hateful rain to come and help it grow. And we are in that time now. Between the right wing evangelical Christians, the KKK, white supremacists and Donald Trump and Mike Pence. But like then and always, the truth will win. Love will drive out hate. Donald and the evangelical Christians will lose. They always do.
    4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Robert
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent title
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Fascinating backdrop into NY of the times and the struggles and overcomings of the times
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  • Valerie Osei
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
    Reviewed in Canada on January 7, 2018
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    A very personal look at Dick Gregory and his life. How he uses comedy to overcome the daily struggle of oppression and prejudice during the civil rights movement. Wonderful piece.
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  • Jannis Sonnenberg
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read, unbelievably interesting and important to read
    Reviewed in Germany on April 9, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Great way of writing, a stroy of grief, sadness but also inspiring because it is also a story of hope, strength, empathy and overall positive lessons and emotions. I literally read this book in a blink of an eye.
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  • N. Mackenzie
    5.0 out of 5 stars a title you don't say out loud
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 25, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    the book was recommended by I think Jay-z who found it sharp and funny. Having read this book it really is a warts and all account of what it was like to be black and poor in the land of the free. At least Dick made a name for himself in America (I'd say he's virtually unknown here.I know I haven't heard of him before) which is why he has a book out This book is still humourously written even though a lot of the subject matter is quite dark (no pun intended). It's so good that it makes me want to check out Mr Gregory's comedy. Although I wold like to spread the word about this book to my friends it's still a controversial title that I can't bring myself to say it. Pity. It deserves an even wider audience.
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  • Monique M
    5.0 out of 5 stars A very funny and touching look at Gregory's life and the struggle ...
    Reviewed in Canada on January 12, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    RIP Dick Gregory.
    A very funny and touching look at Gregory's life and the struggle for civil rights.
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