' The problem of the twentieth-century is the problem of the color-line' Originally published in 1903 The Souls of Black Folk is a classic study of race culture & education at the turn of the twentieth century With its singular combination of essays memoir & fiction this book vaulted W E B Du Bois to the forefront of American political commentary & civil rights activism The Souls of Black Folk is an impassioned at times searing account of the situation of African Americans in the United States Du Bois makes a forceful case for the access of African Americans to higher education memorably extols the achievements of black culture (above all the spirituals or 'sorrow songs') & advances the provocative & influential argument that due to the inequalities & pressures of the 'race problem' African American identity is characterized by 'double consciousness' This edition
Includes:: a valuable appendix of other writing by Du Bois which sheds light on his attitudes & intentions ABOUT THE SERIES For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features including expert introductions by leading authorities helpful notes to clarify the text up-to-date bibliographies for further study & much more