This was not a great book, especially from a historical perspective. The author relies primarily on secondary sources in compiling this piece. Definitely not something I would refer to for historical guidance. You might as well read the resources yourself.

Aside from its rather odd title, this is a dramatic retelling of Black history in America. Highly recommended even though the most recent edition was published back in the Nineties.

A terrific compendium of straightforward historical facts. There is certainly some reflection here and there, but the book achieves most in the density of it's information.

I appreciated it quite a bit, yet ironically not much was revelatory from a 2021 East Coast perspective. Granted, this was written in the early 1960s, intended for an audience for most of whom the information contained would have been remarkably new. Thus, I do not fault the book for not always being dazzling; I was dipping backwards 60 years, so I am the one who needs to recalibrate as the reader.

Keep in mind that while there is time spent outlining the black American historical narratives "before the Mayflower," this is actually not the bulk of the book. Much more time is spent after the Mayflower. That is fine, and indeed it was no less interesting. However, I was truly hoping the whole book would be truly about the black history prior to the settlements of Europe in North America, as this is an area that fascinates and interests me to learn more about. I make this note for others to set their expectations; the title is NOT the focus.

As a caveat there were a few points (let me emphasize: VERY few) where the author played a little fast-and-loose with historical facts for effect. The author is not necessarily posturing as an academic historian, and the points were minor, and indeed arguably inconsequential to the narrative put forth. I think that because most of these were originally written for periodicals they had a more casual tone at points, which accounts for these not-quite-perfect historical footnotes here and there. Just something I noted as I was reading, yet did not cause any major distraction.

It was actually wonderful reading a book written before the assassination of Dr. King. There is a tone that is hopeful and fresh, and to see the lionization of Dr. King in it's "real time" perspective was actually inspiring. Throughout the text was a tone that echoed the mood and attitude of the era of civil rights of it's time, bringing the period of the greatest works of Martin Luther King Jr, et. al., to light with more nuance and liveliness. This is not the original intention of the text, clearly, but read from the historical future it becomes a remarkable document illustrating what is for us now part of (recent) history.

Overall it's a terrific primer, and I think it will contain vital and useful information to anyone who reads it, particularly Americans in the US and Canada.

An interesting history of Blacks in America, originally published in 1961 and written by a black historian. Some stories I had heard before and some were new to me. All of it was fascinating.

The lines that really struck me were roughly the only thing we can compare slavery in America to is the Nazi treatment of Jews. I have never before thought of slavery that way.

Anyway, it's black history month and this would be an excellent way to appreciate the struggles of African Americans from before the American revolution to the early 60s Civil Rights movement.

Spoiler: This book does not stop with the Mayflower. In fact, this is one of the best histories of this type, long on meaningful detail, without the careless ideological assertions that other authors rely on as a replacement for credible citations and quotes.

4 Stars

This book taught me what (by that point); 10 years of the American education system, did not. My mind was blown.

A great book on black history, though some elitist historians consider it dated, as it briefly references white slaves.

I had never heard of this book until I started reading the preface for Nikole Hannah Jones the 1619 Project book! I immediately ordered this book and I’m so glad I did! Some things I knew but others I didn’t. This book should be required reading! As difficult as it is to read about all of the atrocities that our ancestors endured, imagine how hard it was for them to live it! Despite it all, the ancestors were resilient and I am truly inspired to continue reading their stories and sharing my experiences with others. Especially in 2025 and beyond when demons are rolling back civil rights that were fought so hard for! Stay encouraged because we are not going back!

Life Changing!!!!!!!!!!!

I read this book as it was recommended to me as 'the African American history you didn't learn in high school.' I found it easy to read and learned a lot that was new to me, particularly regarding the 'intermingling' of whites and african americans to the point where most African Americans have some white blood in them. Interesting how in the immediate aftermath of the civil war there was no white/colored separations (i.e. in restaurants, in buses and so forth) those only came later.

Eloquent and informative.

This book starts with slavery and poverty. It touches on the civil rights movement.