Required reading for my African American History class in 1993 but it should be required for all Americans. I still have my marked-up copy from class, whose cover I loved. There's a very helpful timeline after the chapters.

I allowed this book to linger on my shelves for far too long. It is an excellent history of early Black Americans up until the Civil Rights era. I will be reading/consulting this book again. I read the revised 1966 edition.

This is my favorite book of all time. That means that it influenced my actions. Also, I collect editions of it, so if you have one you want to let go, please send it to me. :) Thank you.

I was drafted in 1965, out of Jr. College, and when my time was up I returned to college and Graduated in 1970. I have always been a lover of history and was fortunate enough to have a professor suggest I read Before the Mayflower, first edition. This book is the best history book I have ever read. As a white man, who supports all races, this book opened my eyes and moved me so very much. I highly recommend not only people of color but whites as well read this wonderful history of our country.

I am sorry I never met Mr. Bennett as would loved to have shaken his hand and say THANK YOU! I will now order the latest update to read and hope it keeps the same emotion and theme that the first edition presented.