The Story of the Negro is a history of Americans of African descent before and after slavery. Originally produced in two volumes; and published here for the first time in one paperback volume; the first part covers Africa and the history of slavery in the United States while the second part carries the history from the Civil War to the first part of the twentieth century. Booker T. Washington was born into slavery; worked menial jobs in order to acquire an education; and became the most important voice of African American interests beginning in the latter part of the nineteenth century.The Story of the Negro is valuable in part because it is full of significant information taken from hundreds of obscure sources that would be nearly impossible to assemble today. For instance; Washington discusses the rise of African American comedy with names; places; and dates; elsewhere he traces the growth and spread of African American home ownership and independent businesses in the United States; and his discussion of slavery is informed by his own life. Washington wanted African Americans to understand and embrace their heritage; not be ashamed of it. He explains; as an example; the role of music in the lives of the slaves and then notes how; nearly a generation later; many African Americans were "embarrassed" by this music and did not want to learn traditional songs. Washington is able to reflect on the first fifty years of his life embracing a range of experiences from share-cropping to dinner at the White House. It is just this autobiographical element that makes the volume compelling.Washington; with his indefatigable optimism; worked his entire life to achieve equality for African Americans through practical means. Founder of the first business association (the National Negro Business League); leader of the Tuskeegee Institute; where George Washington Carver conducted research; and supporter of numerous social programs designed to improve the welfare of African Americans; Washington was considered during his lifetime the spokesperson for African Americans by white society; particularly those in positions of power. This led to criticism from within the African American community; most notably from W. E. B. Du Bois; who considered Washington too accommodating of the white majority; but it took Washington's farsightedness to recognize that the immediate concerns of education; employment; and self-reflection were necessary to achieve the ultimate goal of racial equality.
#103371 in Books Chronicle Books 2000-08-01Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EgyptianPDF # 1 14.10 x .70 x 9.70l; #File Name: 0811807673174 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Best Copy of The Egyptian Book of the Dead with TranslationsBy ConnieThis book has a replica of one of the most famous scrolls of the dead. Long ago when Egyptians paid dearly for a scroll; a scribe purchased a highly detailed scroll of the dead that survived in a clay pot; found nearly two thousand years later. It is the best preserved scroll ever found to date and is reproduced and translated in this book that allows us to see the Egyptians "afterlife" beliefs and traditions. It is a fascinating piece of history I am grateful to have been able to read and study.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A must have!By Roger KenworthyI bought the hardcover version; secondhand; and it is in pristine condition as the seller advised.Now; the book itself has fabulous pictures and texts that correlate - these create a window to the past and the future. The artistry of the papyrus is beautiful and knowing these were real people that lived thousands of years ago...amazing.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A gorgeous book suitable for any Egypt; poetry; art; or mythology enthusiastBy OrnithWhile this book is written so as to be useful to scholars; it's a wonderful book even if you aren't one. The reproductions of the original papyrus are beautiful in their own right; and the translation is quite poetic. Even if you don't understand all the obscure mythological or cultural references (and who does?); it's fascinating reading/looking. It makes a great coffee table book; which is a good thing considering that it's too tall to fit in many bookshelves. As I understand it; this translation is far superior to the older ones; in a wonderful presentation; save that such a large and lavishly illustrated book really ought to have been published in hardcover.Most of the chapters are actually meant as spells to be recited by the spirit of the deceased; enabling it to pass through the dangerous parts of the underworld to become immortal; and then revisit the world of the living in spirit form (i.e. "go forth by day"). It's worth reading even the more scholarly non-illustrated sections of the book derived from other versions of the papyrus; there are some real hidden gems back there; such as the existence of a Chapter For Remembering All The Other Chapters.
