Paris Noir fills a grievous gap in the fascinating history of American expatriates who chose to live in Paris in the twentieth century. Alongside Ernest Hemingway; Gertrude Stein; and Henry Miller was an avant-garde and tightly knit community of African Americans who found in Paris the artistic; racial; and emotional freedom denied them back home. The writers James Baldwin and Richard Wright; the jazz musicians Miles Davis; Charlie Parker; Sidney Bechet; and the artists Henry Ossawa Tanner; Lois Mailou Jones; and Jean-Michel Basquiat are among the score of exiles for whom Paris symbolized a color-blind society. Unlike their white compatriots; African Americans in Paris rejected not only American society; but also their victimized status in the U.S. And while black and white Americans inhabited different worlds even in Paris; they found meeting grounds in such places as Bricktop's jazzy nightclub; where the flamboyant owner taught Cole Porter to dance the Charleston. As the historian John Merriman proclaimed; "With skill and passion; Stovall brings this vibrant community to life."
#205897 in Books V S Naipaul 1982-07-12 1982-07-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .97 x 5.19l; .82 #File Name: 0394711955448 pagesAmong the Believers An Islamic Journey
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Dated but still relevantBy Art VanderleighThis book provides an objective look at the regular people living in some of the Islamic cultures that are very mysterious to many Westerners. The section in Pakistan was enlightening. The author highlights a theme I have since seen reinforced in other books; which is that the concept of running a society based on Islamic principles is an idealistic vision that people will fight for without ever giving serious thought to the practical challenges of such a system.The Qu'ran forbids the charging of interest on loans: how then to institute a banking system in a society governed by Islamic law? Naipul meets with an official grappling with this very problem when he visits Pakistan; and the problem is simultaneously bemoaned by one group and kicked down the road by another; to a future where people are "True Muslims" and such problems solve themselves.Naipul meets many people who are struggling to assimilate a very complex world into the very simple one revealed in a book. Their ultimate success or failure is left open ended; but Naipul is obviously pessimistic about their chances.I enjoyed reading this book for the insights it gave into the thinking of the people powering the Islamic revolutions and counter-revolutions in the Middle East. In some cases they slot with depressing ease into the cynical stereotypes I had of "faithful ignorant" types; and in others they have a complex understanding of the forces at work in their society. The reality of their situation makes them feel powerless to help themselves while their faith lets them feel optimistic about the future.I am giving this book four stars instead of five because in some places it was boring; but these places were rare and brief.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very insightful travelogue from Iran to Indonesia. Naipaul offers ...By Gabriel FuquaVery insightful travelogue from Iran to Indonesia. Naipaul offers a unique voice; as Hindu born agonistic from the West Indies who balances a sympathetic yet critical perspective towards the people he encounters. While playing the devil's advocate to Western Civilization; he identifies the retrograde force of theocracy in the greater Asia.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Fatastic Book!!By Newton de SouzaA must read for anyone willing to understand a society governed espiritually; socially and politically by Islam
