The Souls of Black Folk

By: W. E. B. Du Bois

Narrated by: Richard Allen

Length: 8 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

W. E. B. Du Bois was the foremost Black intellectual of his time. The Souls of Black Folk, his most influential work, is a collection of 14 beautifully written essays, by turns lyrical, historical, and autobiographical. Here, Du Bois records the cruelties of racism, celebrates the strength and pride of Black America, and explores the paradoxical "double-consciousness" of African American life.

When it was first published in 1903, The Souls of Black Folk quickly established itself as a work that wholly redefined the history of the Black experience in America, introducing the now-famous "problem of the color line." In the decades since its publication, its stature has only grown, and today it ranks as one of the most influential and resonant works in the history of American thought.

Public Domain (P)2008 Tantor

Critic reviews

"The Souls of Black Folk throws much light upon the complexities of the negro problem, for it shows that the key note of at least some negro aspiration is still the abolition of the social color line." (New York Times Book Review, April 1903; Books of the Century)

Beautiful-Thanks Audible

Everyone should read-The language is eloquent. So clearly stated and straight forward common sense as to where going from enslaved to Freemen took the wrong path. Greed, jealousy and lack of empathy for humans-we wasted a lot of time. Try a little kindness

A Must Read

This book was such a well written account of the state of black folk in the reconstruction era. A must read if you want to know how thing really were for black people post slavery.

Intense read but worthwhile one

This book is insightful and thought provoking. The book was written around the turn of the 20th century hence some readers may find the writing style challenging. It is disturbing that the issues are still present in the United States. Don’t shy away because the subject is a reflection of our country’s racism and in our inability to reconcile and address it in a mature and respectful way. This book is very much a provocative read.

History of African Americans after Emancipation

Where does The Souls of Black Folk rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is certainly in the top 5. I love "literature" and this surely classifies. It is definitely not a "beach read", because it requires concentration and thought.

Have you listened to any of Richard Allen’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but could not because it is chock full of information and the vocabulary is extensive. It requires one to listen and stop in order to take it all in.

Any additional comments?

Sorry I slept through history class, but this makes up for it.

Very informative.

Shows that once upon a time in this pseudo individualistic country we the original. Semitic people had more principles, morals, and collectivist behavior than the Gentiles. Shows the Semites the power behind mass psychology and operational conditioning.

Well written and often inspiring

DuBois offers a counter view to Booker T Washington through his focus on classic education of the “talented tenth”. The scathing chapter on Washington was less surprising than his description of southern blacks as “shiftless”. I highly recommend it.

The souls of Black folk

This was a very informative and well read book on an American hero. Thank you

Still, unfortunately, very relevant in reality of the Color Line today

This should be required reading for every Middle School student and above. Read and studied every year, along with Dubois’ contemporaries. Much change has come to American Law. Not very much change to the American heart - on both sides of that Color Line. As Dubois said, it is necessary change come to both sides before the issue of race in America or anywhere can ever begin to be truly discussed with integrity and a will towards resolve

Wow this is such an amazing book!

This book is so amazing! I felt a mix of emotions while listening and following along reading. This bit of history means everything to today's society.

Informative

Informative, like a firsthand account of this history unfolding before you. I felt such sadness as I listened. I wish I had read this book years ago.