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Summary: Outstanding Analysis, Outstanding Writing, But Short
Review: This collection of essays by W.E.B. Du Bois, first published in 1903, persuasively explains how the reconstruction period shaped the subsequent experience of African-Americans. Blacks were freed, unprepared, into a hostile society. With more funds and a wider mandate, the Freedman's Bureau could have solved many of the resulting problems. Instead, the Freedman's Bureau was abolished in favor of black suffrage, which, it was thought, would make the freed slaves their own guardians through the power of the ballot. The original vision of "forty acres and a mule" was never achieved or even approached.Du Bois argues his points moderately but with great power. Slavery in the United States was "not the worst slavery in the world, not a slavery that made all life unbearable, rather a slavery that had here and there something of kindliness, fidelity, and happiness, - but withal slavery, which so far as human aspiration and desert were concerned, classed the black man and the ox together." He recognized that "The present generation of Southerners are not responsible for the past, and they should not be blindly hated or blamed for it." Long passages of the book, for example, "Of the Black Belt," report on the diverse condition of blacks in the United States, differences that he would no doubt ascribe to differences in intelligence, energy, perseverance, foresight, and thrift. But Du Bois took strong issue with those who, in his view, took the degradation of blacks in the United States as evidence of their inferiority. A closing passage in "Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others" seeks to replace dangerous half truths with supplementary truths. He points out that slavery and racial prejudice were potent if not sufficient causes of the position of black Americans at the end of the reconstruction period. He acknowledges that "while it is a great truth to say that the Negro must strive and strive mightily to help himself, it is equally true that unless his striving be not merely seconded, but rather aroused and encouraged, by the initiative of the richer and wiser environing group, he cannot hope for great success." In other words, whites have tended to "shift the burden of the Negro problem to the Negro's shoulders and stand aside as critical and rather pessimistic spectators; when in fact the burden belongs to the nation . . . ." In fact, Du Bois reminds us, the problem of race in the United States is "a concrete test of the underlying principles of the great republic . . . ." While Du Bois' contributions to discussions of racial problems are extremely formidable, it is striking how much of the value of this book has nothing to do with race whatsoever. Perhaps its greatest value is to remind us of what a fine, fine thing a man can be: broad-minded, courageous, passionate, and a lover of truth and fairness. The Dover Thrift Edition is highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Required Reading
Review: This is an excellent book by an excellent author. W.E.B. DuBois eloquently explains the Souls of Black Folk. You must have this book in your library.
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Summary: Sharon Tate
Review: This is the most ensightful review I have come in contact with, it help me to decide if I wanted the book. Once I rad the reviews and a little into the readings there was no doubt in my mind that I had to have this piece of literature. This is something that I want to instill in my children,glad to know there is so much insight into what people have to say whether it be positive or negative. Thanx everyone for so much insight.
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Summary: This Is Truly A Powerful Collection of Essays!
Review: W.E.B. Du Bois uses these essays to describe how Blacks' quiet acceptance of racism and slavery only stifles their chance for advancement in a society that basically considers them a problem. He is totally convinced that racism exist because America has not been educated about the gifted souls of Black folks! I believe Du Bois does an excellent job in describing how every African American in this country feels when he says, "he simply wishes to make it possible for a man to be both [Black] and an American without . . . having the doors of Opportunity closed roughly in his face." This is truly a powerful collection of essays!
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Summary: Brilliant Essays on American Blacks
Review: W.E.B. DuBois (1868-1963) was the first black man to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard University. This fact alone doesn't really mean much in today's world; there are many firsts occurring at a rapid pace. But DuBois accomplished his feat when America subscribed to Jim Crow segregation and openly espoused racism. Moreover, DuBois went on to a spectacular career of stunning accomplishments-he was, by turns, a sociologist, a historian, a cultural critic, and an accomplished essayist. In "The Souls of Black Folk," DuBois wears all of these hats and a few more. Published in 1903, this collection of DuBois essays quickly became a cornerstone for future black progressives who wished to bring about changes in American society long promised since the days of the American Civil War. DuBois went on to help found the NAACP before disillusionment with the slow pace of change led him to leave the country. He died in Ghana in 1963. Every essay in this collection is an absolute jewel of intellectual prowess, eloquent and captivating language, and groundbreaking insight into the conditions of America's black population. Time and time again, DuBois calls it like he sees it and does so without malice or hysterical claims. DuBois's writings are the archetype of calm, reasoned analysis. His goal is not to divide but to expose, not to create divisions but understanding. He differs radically from current race hustlers such as Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, whose only concern is creating a perpetual black underclass with them as self-anointed leaders. One of DuBois's essays actually take aim at a black leader who, during DuBois's time, harmed black progress. This man was Booker T. Washington, founder of the Tuskegee Institute, believer in vocational education for all blacks (at the expense of a classical education necessary in training teachers to staff vocational schools), and orator of the "Atlanta Compromise" which promised black acceptance of segregation. DuBois's concern in the essays rests with the concept of the "veil." This veil is a symbol for the ignorance of America towards the problems of blacks. The veil blocks insight into the problems, as well as preventing blacks from taking their place in American society as full American citizens. Until the veil is removed, argues DuBois in carefully constructed essay after essay, the continuing schism between the two races will grow wider and wider. Closely tied to the concept of the veil is that of "double consciousness," or the process by which blacks have two identities within one body. At times, blacks are Americans; they take part in working, fighting, and dying so America may reach its full potential. At other times, blacks are Africans lacking the rights white Americans enjoy on a daily basis. According to DuBois, American blacks are conscious of this dual identity and must always be careful about their actions in public. DuBois argues it is this "two-ness" that causes many problems in the life of the American black. Dubois knows travelogue as well. Two essays, "Of the Black Belt" and "Of the Quest of the Golden Fleece" examine the conditions of blacks in Dougherty County, Georgia. It is a sad tale of overwhelming debt, bleak futures, and segregated conditions. DuBois carefully examines the reasons for black failure in Georgia in these two chapters, discovering that the system is set up for black failure. Owning land is difficult for blacks, and the low literacy rate ensures that hustlers will cheat blacks out of money and crops. The extension of credit guarantees that blacks will continue to exist in a perpetual state of debt peonage. The need for education is great, says DuBois, as learning will allow blacks to push for greater gains in society while allowing poor blacks to understand their plight in relation to the rest of the country. Education is a major theme in many of the essays. DuBois himself received a classical education and it shows on every page of this book. References to Greece and Rome vie with extensive religious themes. These references not only show that a black can benefit from education, but also shows how education will provide a common ground between black and white. However, DuBois does not believe every black should receive a classical education. He recognizes many are not up to the task (as many whites are not, either), but a "talented tenth" could receive this type of education. These blacks will then go out and spread education and culture within the black community. The essays build up to the phenomenal "Of the Coming of John," a short story incorporating almost every theme DuBois expresses throughout the book. This short story relates the tale of John, a poor Georgia black traveling north for an education. At first, John fails to fit in due to poor discipline and lack of interest. When faced with expulsion, John reaches inside himself and succeeds beyond expectations. He learns history, language, and mathematics while growing into manhood. When he finally goes out into the world, he runs smack into the veil; John is ejected from a classical music concert in New York because he is black, and when he goes home, both blacks and whites are wary of his cynical views about southern conditions. John takes a job as a teacher, but quickly loses the job when local whites feel threatened by the subjects he teaches. The story ends on a depressing note without resolving any of the problems John encounters as an educated black man in the American South. This is an important American text, required reading for anyone interested in race relations and intellectual history. DuBois never saw the struggle for civil rights in the 1960's or its continuing legacy to this day. This book explains the underpinnings of that movement. Through intellectual examination, elegant prose, and an unswerving belief in what is right and wrong, DuBois's contributions continue to resonate in the present.
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Summary: A PHANTOM OF DELIGHT
Review: Written in 1903, "The Souls of Black Folk" is one book that has withstood the test of time.
This riveting memoir narrates the experiences that shaped millions of (Black) American lives in the 19th Century. In learning about the liberty struggles which helped Americans grow up, the pages of this evergreen book calls our contemporary moral standings to question. It is compelling.
W.E.B. DuBois is a perpetual icon: not just because he was a Blackman, who bagged a Harvard Ph.D at the tender age of 27, (during the days of stark racism). But, because his works speak for him.
His popular saying: "My leadership was a leadership of ideas, I never was, nor ever will be personally popular", goes deeper in thoughts.
This book depicts his style and consistency. It is a very welcomed masterpiece: a phantom of delight.
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