W. E. B. Du Bois, American Prophet / / Edward J. Blum.

• Superior document: Title is part of eBook package: De Gruyter University of Pennsylvania Backlist eBook-Package 2000-2013
• VerfasserIn: Blum, Edward J.,
• Place / Publishing House: Philadelphia : : University of Pennsylvania Press, , [2013]; ©2007
• Year of Publication: 2013
• Language: English
• Series: Politics and Culture in Modern America
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (288 p.)

Pioneering historian, sociologist, editor, novelist, poet, and organizer, W. E. B. Du Bois was one of the foremost African American intellectuals of the twentieth century. While Du Bois is remembered for his monumental contributions to scholarship and civil rights activism, the spiritual aspects of his work have been misunderstood, even negated. W. E. B. Du Bois, American Prophet, the first religious biography of this leader, illuminates the spirituality that is essential to understanding his efforts and achievements in the political and intellectual world.Often labeled an atheist, Du Bois was in fact deeply and creatively involved with religion. Historian Edward J. Blum reveals how spirituality was central to Du Bois's approach to Marxism, pan-Africanism, and nuclear disarmament, his support for black churches, and his reckoning of the spiritual wage of white supremacy. His writings, teachings, and prayers served as articles of faith for fellow activists of his day, from student book club members to Langston Hughes.A blend of history, sociology, literary criticism, and religious reflection in the model of Du Bois's best work, W. E. B. Du Bois, American Prophet recasts the life of this great visionary and intellectual for a new generation of scholars and activists.Honorable Mention, 2007 Gustavus Myers Center Outstanding Book Awards

Table of Contents

Frontmatter -- CONTENTS -- INTRODUCTION. Rethinking W. E. B. Du Bois, Rethinking Religion and Race -- CHAPTER ONE. The Hero With a Black Face -- CHAPTER TWO. Race as Cosmic Sight in The Souls of Black Folk -- CHAPTER THREE. A Dark Monk Who Wrote History and Sociology -- CHAPTER FOUR. Black Messiahs and Murderous Whites -- CHAPTER FIVE. Christ Was a Communist -- EPILOGUE. The Passing of the Prophet -- NOTES -- INDEX -- ACKNOWLEDGMENTS