The Library of America: Writings

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William Edward Burghardt Du Bois was a prominent historian, sociologist, novelist, editor, and political activist, recognized as the most gifted black intellectual of his era. This volume showcases his essential writings, reflecting a life committed to racial justice. His first book, The Suppression of the African Slave-Trade to the United States 1638–1870 (1896), provides a dispassionate account of America's tolerance for the slave trade, highlighting the moral failures that led to the Civil War. In The Souls of Black Folk (1903), a collection of poignant essays, Du Bois articulates the harsh realities of racism while celebrating the resilience and pride of black America, paying homage to black music and religion, and reflecting on his personal experiences, including the loss of his infant son. Dusk of Dawn (1940) serves as an autobiographical exploration of the "race problem," detailing his upbringing, education, and involvement with the NAACP, as well as his developing Pan-African consciousness. His essays and speeches, spanning from 1890 to 1958, address critical issues such as education in a segregated society, black culture, the legacy of Marcus Garvey, and the experiences of black soldiers in WWI. The editorials from The Crisis (1910–1934), during Du Bois’s most influential period, cover a wide range of American political and cultural topics, showcasing his sharp wit and profound insights.