73 pages 2 hours read

Keisha N. Blain, ed., Ibram X. Kendi, ed.

Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2021

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Four Hundred Souls, edited by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain, comprises 90 essays and ten poems by 80 Black writers, chronicling African American history from 1619 to 2019 in ten parts, each covering 40 years. The writers reflect on significant events and periods, including housing discrimination, the Middle Passage, colonial laws, and civil rights movements, using a choral approach to create a unified narrative of Black resilience and perseverance.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Four Hundred Souls, edited by Keisha N. Blain and Ibram X. Kendi, is lauded for its diverse voices and comprehensive exploration of African American history. Critics praise its rich, multifaceted narrative and scholarly rigor. However, some note its dense content can be overwhelming. Overall, it's an essential, enlightening read that skillfully blends historical and contemporary perspectives.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Four Hundred Souls?

Readers who appreciate Four Hundred Souls, edited by Keisha N. Blain and Ibram X. Kendi, are often drawn to deeply researched, multi-perspective historical accounts. Fans of The 1619 Project or Stamped from the Beginning will find this a compelling exploration of African American history through diverse voices.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

History: U.S.

Race / Racism

Social Justice

Genre

African American Literature

Period

American Civil War

Themes

Identity: Race

Values/Ideas: Equality

Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice