The Souls of Black Folk, published in 1903, is a collection of 14 sociological essays on race in the United States, particularly the southern U.S. W. E. B. Du Bois, the first African-American to earn a PhD from Harvard, touches on issues of poverty, education, post-Civil War reconstruction, black-white relations, and the black church. It includes personal stories of Du Bois’s own experiences teaching and traveling in the South and analysis of the root causes of black poverty.

One of the things that struck me most as I was reading this was how relevant some of the discussions are for today. This was particularly true in the essays on education. In “Of the Wings of Atalanta,” Du Bois talks about how important it is that education be about more than economic survival and how the economic system works against all the poor, not just the black poor. He quite rightly states that the color line makes the situation worse for African-Americans, but he shows genuine compassion for all workers who are caught in a system that will not allow them to get ahead. Frankly, I was surprised by that because I’d always heard Du Bois characterized as being radically anti-white, but he’s really anti-racism, which is an altogether different thing. He does an excellent job explaining how blacks and whites misunderstand each other and how the best of both races are kept apart.

I’ve been brought up admiring Booker T. Washington, so it was especially interesting to read about the flaws Du Bois saw in Washington’s philosophy and to consider the reasons behind the differences. I also really appreciated the stories of people like Josie, a young woman who longs for an education but has to carry the burdens of her family. This is a remarkable collection of writings. I’m glad I finally read Du Bois for myself.

See my complete review and a discussion with my coblogger, Jenny, at Shelf Love. ( )

I read this book for the first time when I was in my doctoral coursework taking a historical philosophy course. EXCELLENT book! Within two weeks of reading it I was visiting my hometown in the south. While there I reread the book and (WOW!)saw that although we think things have changed, they haven't. The dreams of Dubois in 1904 are still unrealized. I have recommended this book to many friends and colleagues. They have the same reactions to the book. It is a must read and should be studied by all post-secondary students. ( )

You must experience this book by reading it for the first time. I don't know how I left college without ever reading essential DuBois. The book is basically a snap shot of the historical events he witnessed, his observation and relations with people and commentary. The writing style AWESOME, complicated, and balanced, all at the same time.

What I can appreciate most is that the book is as much a guide on credit, debt, personal financial loss and charity, as it is on social and political science.

Shortly after the war the freedmen contributed $750,000 to their educational betterment, purchased land, started various business enterprises, and saved with Freedmen's Bureau Bank. This showed incredible thrift on their part, a kind of thrift that can be admired even today. ( )

Experience the last two centuries in the lives of Black Americans...feel their plight for more understanding.....to read this is to know why.! ( )

A landmark book from one of the greatest minds that this country has ever produced. ( )