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Cover of The Complete Idiot's Guide to African American History

The Complete Idiot's Guide to African American History

by Melba J. Duncan

Book Details

Publisher:Penguin
Published:2003-01-28
Pages:324
Format:BOOK
Language:en

Reading Info

About This Book

Although the first black slaves arrived in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619, our knowledge of African American history is often limited to "lessons" in films. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to African American History reveals a full portrait of black life, including familiar figures such as Harriet Tubman, W.E.B. DuBois, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Our Review

This accessible guide delivers exactly what its title promises—a comprehensive journey through African American history that starts with the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in 1619 and moves far beyond the simplified narratives often found in popular media. It presents a full portrait of Black life, weaving together the stories of iconic figures like Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King Jr. with the broader social and political movements they shaped, offering readers a cohesive and detailed historical framework.

What makes this volume particularly effective is its ability to transform a vast and complex history into an engaging, digestible narrative without sacrificing depth or gravitas. It’s an ideal starting point for students or any reader seeking to build a foundational understanding, connecting pivotal events and personalities into a clear, chronological story. By illuminating the full scope of the African American experience, this book provides an essential and empowering education.

Themes

Social Science

Subjects

Social Science