The Fire Next Time

By: James Baldwin

Narrated by: Jesse L. Martin

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • The book that galvanized the nation, gave voice to the emerging civil rights movement in the 1960s—and still lights the way to understanding race in America today. • “The finest essay I’ve ever read.” —Ta-Nehisi Coates

At once a powerful evocation of James Baldwin’s early life in Harlem and a disturbing examination of the consequences of racial injustice, the book is an intensely personal and provocative document from the iconic author of If Beale Street Could Talk and Go Tell It on the Mountain. It consists of two “letters,” written on the occasion of the centennial of the Emancipation Proclamation, that exhort Americans, both black and white, to attack the terrible legacy of racism.

Described by The New York Times Book Review as “sermon, ultimatum, confession, deposition, testament, and chronicle … all presented in searing, brilliant prose,” The Fire Next Time stands as a classic of literature.

©1962 James Baldwin (P)2008 BBC Audiobooks America

Critic reviews

"Searing...brilliant...masterful." ( The New York Times)
"One of the few genuinely indispensable American writers." ( Saturday Review
"Anguished...stabbing...a final plea and warning...to end the racial nightmare." ( Newsweek)

prophetic

Baldwin's moving sensuality, fullness of presence, and erudition are still relevant to today's white audience.

Beautiful and powerful

A masterful indictment on racism in America, sadly almost as relevant today as when it was first written. Particularly in condemning the willful colorblindness of White society, which uses it as a shield to inoculate themselves from criticism. Still today, too many think not looking at the problem (from their place of privilege, acknowledged or not), means the problem doesn't exist. I first recall this essay many, many years ago, well into my journey beyond religion, and on the path to recognizing racism in myself and in society.

I'd implore white people to read/listen and take it as a challenge. (In contrast to White people, the former being merely phenotypical description which nonetheless affords privilege, the latter being an overt racial identification, unnecessary for any purpose but to express superiority, and whose adherents need much greater psychic healing). Mr. Baldwin effectively takes to task the fragility of American (read: White) history, in power, sexuality and notions of freedom. But he simultaneously eviscerates the alternative presented by the Nation of Islam, which he essentially dissects and reveals as merely a cynical mirror image of the society at large. A similar surgical critique is needed in white circles. Because, although the author truthfully states, Black people in America know much more about white people than vice versa, neither can give freedom to the other, they must find it for themselves. And here Mr. Baldwin has given a gift to white people, and to White people, if they are willing to listen. A gift of the offer to introspection of your beliefs and what your country believes. I can only hope 60 years on has helped open people's eyes. As Bob Dylan wrote, around the same time as this essay, "How many times can a man turn his head and pretend that he just doesn't see?"

You must be ready!

If you can't deal with the truth, what's truly goes on all over the world pertaining to our people (African American.) & the cultural norms for us, don't invest the time. This book is DEEP therefore have an open mind and heart while listening to get a better understanding where our mindset is from this side of the table. Beautifully written and Excellent!

Classic

What did you love best about The Fire Next Time?

Baldwin's accurate description of the US, his vulnerability and understanding of the world. He's able to succinctly and clearly communicate his ideas. Many writers lack this.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Fire Next Time?

Baldwin's analysis of religion. On a grand scale as well as his take on the nexus of Christianity and the African American experience.

What about Jesse L. Martin’s performance did you like?

His performance did not get in the way. It may have subtly enhanced the message.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

Many people have the intelligence to question things. Few people have the courage to question taboo areas such as religion. Baldwin had both, in a time that was not conducive his positions. To arrive, he underwent a spiritual journey in the truest sense.

Powerful

It amazes me how America has changed and then how it has not. Socioeconomics must be addressed and Baldwin indicates this.

True then, truer now

This was a painful read for a seventeen year old white boy in 1963. I wish it was less painful now. It’s not.

brilliant

One doesn't have to be of any skin color to recognize we are all one race one people. To have white skin and see the suffering and prejudice of any fellow human is...well there is no word to express this sorrow. James comes as close as anyone to explaining how skin color has corrupted so many. The continuation of this sorrowful condition of our present humanity is ignorant beyond the belief of what we know of our brains' capacity for empathy, compassion and understanding--basic intelligence. When will we wake, for heaven's sake?

Powerful insight!

James Baldwin was born at a time when equality was not given. He dealt with so many awful situations that could break someone who was not so strong minded. I was powerfully moved by his take on the state of black people during the timing of this book. I was totally impressed that he left the country in order to find happiness.

Excellent Read

This is a magnificent account of the history of black America. The pain of the people written like poetry.

Incredible writing, all too truthful story

Beautiful writing style. I want to find more of his stuff. Sadly, it’s true, his incrimination - well expressed - of (white) America and (white) people. While still retaining hope.