James Baldwin

A Biography

By: David Leeming

Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin

Length: 17 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

This is a biography of James Baldwin, author, one-time preacher, and civil rights activist. He chose David Leeming, a close friend and colleague, to write his biography and granted him access to his correspondence. Leeming traces his life from his birth in Harlem in 1924 to his self-imposed exile in Europe, his later years as political activist, and his public funeral in 1987.

©1994 David Leeming, First Arcade Edition 2015 (P)2014 Audible Inc.

great

I feel like I met him. incredible man. incredible story. I'd recommend these to everyone.

A great biography of a great man

This biography of James Baldwin is very well researched, engaging, and very balanced. Baldwin as a black man dealing with racism and oppression, Baldwin as a gay man facing homophobia, Baldwin as religious man seeking the divine, and Baldwin as author perfecting his craft all get more or less equal treatment.

Leeming knows and attends to the history of Baldwin's time and the political and social issues of the day; he is very familiar with Baldwin's fictional and non-fictional texts. The book moves well and can be read along with Baldwin's novels to bring additional depth to the reading of his works. The audio performance is very good.

Highly recommended.

Most moving and heart touching listen in some time

Love it! I have been interested in James Baldwin for sometime, this my first James Baldwin and I have purchased five others already.

Thorough!

I felt that this topic appeared to be very thorough in its contents. I would recommend this book to all interested in acquiring more knowledge on James Baldwin. Magnificent done as well as the narration!

Must read for all Americans

must read for those who want to better understand and appreciate what it to be an American. We are not just black or White.. We're a mixed collective group of people Who have not excepted the fact that we are all related. America will never truly be free until we can see the humanity in each other and not our color.

Celebrating James Baldwin

David Leeming at his best in "James Baldwin". Narrated with imagination and drama by James Patrick Cronin. A classic.

Notes of a Native Son

James Arthur Baldwin, born August 02, 1924-December 01, 1987, is phenomenal novelist, essayist, playwright, activist and the Prophet with a deep insight into American racism and inequality.
In many of Mr. Baldwin novels he weaves racism, inequality, sexual preferences between men, friends and foes. Mr. Baldwin was a gifted intellectual that understood the struggle of dispossessed human beings in an American society of perpetual racism and discrimination. Mr. Baldwin lived in Istanbul Turkey, Paris France and traveled widely to attend many seminars for the purpose of fellowship with international writers. Mr. Baldwin writings have as much insight into the human psyche as the works of Mr. William Shakespeare “Hamlet” which contain the agony, triumph and resilience of the human spirit. His works are highly recommended.

A great read on Baldwin

Leeming provides personal knowledge on the beloved writer James Baldwin. I laughed and cried, and I fell in love with Baldwin as the man he was. I appreciated the overview of all his works and the understanding of his mission.

For a good read, I would recommend speeding up the narrator, it overall well done

This book provides an insight of one the most prolific author to grace this earth.

A requirement for everyone to read. The reader will always want to know more and though you know the ending you are still left with the urge for more!!!

Portrait of a brilliant artist + Chapter titles

This is a wonderful biography that feels authentic and real. I really enjoyed learning about Baldwin's creative process and the inspirations for many of his works. However, I was underwhelmed by the narrator who read every line in the same tone and manner. There were barely any changes in nuance or cadence so whether it was a happy or sad scene, everything sounded the same. I think if the narrator was someone like Dion Graham, the book listening experience would be much improved.


1. Preface
2. The Harlem Life
3. Bill Miller
4. Awakenings
5. Beauford Delaney
6. Probings
7. The Expatriate
8. Lucien and the Mountain
9. Go Tell It On The Mountain
10. The Search for Giovanni
11. Notes of a Native Son
12. The Amen Corner
13. A Period of Transition
14. Giovanni’s Room
15. End of An Era
16. The Journey South
17. The Call of the Stage
18. Sermons and Blues
19. In Search of a Role
20. Nobody Knows My Name
21. Another Country
22. Africa and Fire Next Time
23. The Activist
24. Blues for Mr. Charlie
25. Lucien and the White Problem
26. Searching for a New Life
27. Istanbul
28. Tell Me How Long the Train’s Been Gone
29. One Day When I Was Lost
30. No Name In the Street
31. If Beale Street Could Talk
32.The Devil Finds Work
33. Just Above My Head
34. The Evidence of Things Not Seen
35. Gathering Around the Welcome Table