The Souls of Black Folk

By: W. E. B. Du Bois

Narrated by: Mirron Willis

“The problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line,” writes Du Bois, in one of the most prophetic works in all of American literature. First published in 1903, this collection of 15 essays dared to describe the racism that prevailed at that time in America—and to demand an end to it. Du Bois’ writing draws on his early experiences, from teaching in the hills of Tennessee, to the death of his infant son, to his historic break with the conciliatory position of Booker T. Washington.

Du Bois received a doctorate from Harvard in 1895 and became a professor of economics and history at Atlanta University. His dynamic leadership in the cause of social reform on behalf of his fellow blacks anticipated and inspired much of the black activism of the 1960s.

The Souls of Black Folk is a classic in the literature of civil rights.

William Edward Burghardt Du Bois (1868–1963) was one of the greatest African American intellectuals - a sociologist, historian, novelist, and activist whose astounding career spanned the nation’s history from Reconstruction to the civil rights movement. Born in Massachusetts and educated at Fisk, Harvard, and the University of Berlin, his masterpiece remains his most studied and popular work. Its insights into black life at still ring true today.

Public Domain (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Thanks to W. E. B. Du Bois’ commitment and foresight—and the intellectual excellence expressed in this timeless literary gem—black Americans can today look in the mirror and rejoice in their beautiful black, brown, and beige reflections.” (Amazon.com review)

Prejudices and Understanding

The collection of essays by W E B Du Bois shows the injustices and misunderstandings that our prejudices develop. The negro bondage and the ideas it spread in american society are explained. The way black folk react and adjust to this human inequality is the main subject of this valuable work. The chapters about the black faith and church are written in a beautiful style. The book sucedes in demonstrate that our prejudices are often the cause of our problems and miseries.

Struggles for equality

W.E.B. DuBois lived to be 95 and just missed the passing of Civil Rights Act that went into effect 1 year after his death. In this work he struggles with the needs of a freed but not equal people during reconstruction.

great book

second time reading it and still blows my mind! must purchase and read several times.

One of the best, if not THE best writing of W.E.B.

The Chapter on the loss of his infant son is one of the most eloquent writings I have ever read.

Great glimpse of African American history.

W. E. B Du Bois is a great author and sociologist. He is able to capture the struggles of African American up to the reconstruction period in which he lived.