Best Selling Books by James Baldwin

There are numerous time-honored stories which have become so incorporated into the literature and thought of our race that a knowledge of them is an indispensable part of one''s education. These stories are of several different classes. To one class belong the popular fairy tales which have delighted untold generations of children, and will continue to delight them to the end of time. To another class belong the limited number of fables that have come down to us through many channels from hoar antiquity. To a third belong the charming stories of olden times that are derived from the literatures of ancient peoples, such as the Greeks and the Hebrews. A fourth class includes the half-legendary tales of a distinctly later origin, which have for their subjects certain romantic episodes in the lives of well-known heroes and famous men, or in the history of a people. It is to this last class that most of the fifty stories contained in the present volume belong. As a matter of course, some of these stories are better known, and therefore more famous, than others. Some have a slight historical value; some are useful as giving point to certain great moral truths; others are products solely of the fancy, and are intended only to amuse. Some are derived from very ancient sources, and are current in the literature of many lands; some have come to us through the ballads and folk tales of the English people; a few are of quite recent origin; nearly all are the subjects of frequent allusions in poetry and prose and in the conversation of educated people. Care has been taken to exclude everything that is not strictly within the limits of probability; hence there is here no trespassing upon the domain of the fairy tale, the fable, or the myth. That children naturally take a deep interest in such stories, no person can deny; that the reading of them will not only give pleasure, but will help to lay the foundation for broader literary studies, can scarcely be doubted. It is believed, therefore, that the present collection will be found to possess an educative value which will commend it as a supplementary reader in the middle primary grades at school. It is also hoped that the book will prove so attractive that it will be in demand out of school as well as in. Acknowledgments are due to Mrs. Charles A. Lane, by whom eight or ten of the stories were suggested.

James Baldwin was beginning to be recognized as the most brilliant black writer of his generation when his first book of essays, Notes of a Native Son, established his reputation in 1955. No one was more pleased by the book’s reception than Baldwin’s high school friend Sol Stein. A rising New York editor, novelist, and playwright, Stein had suggested that Baldwin do the book and coaxed his old friend through the long and sometimes agonizing process of putting the volume together and seeing it into print. Now, in this fascinating new book, Sol Stein documents the story of his intense creative partnership with Baldwin through newly uncovered letters, photos, inscriptions, and an illuminating memoir of the friendship that resulted in one of the classics of American literature. Included in this book are the two works they created together–the story “Dark Runner” and the play Equal in Paris, both published here for the first time. Though a world of difference separated them–Baldwin was black and gay, living in self-imposed exile in Europe; Stein was Jewish and married, with a growing family to support–the two men shared the same fundamental passion. Nothing mattered more to either of them than telling and writing the truth, which was not always welcome. As Stein wrote Baldwin in a long, heartfelt letter, “You are the only friend with whom I feel comfortable about all three: heart, head, and writing.” In this extraordinary book, Stein unfolds how that shared passion played out in the months surrounding the creation and publication of Baldwin’s Notes of a Native Son, in which Baldwin’s main themes are illuminated. A literary event published to honor the eightieth anniversary of James Baldwin’s birth, Native Sons is a celebration of one of the most fruitful and influential friendships in American letters.

A deluxe edition of James Baldwin''s haunting coming-of-age story, with a new introduction by Roxane Gay and special cover art designed by Baldwin''s friend and contemporary Beauford Delaney Originally published in 1953, Go Tell It on the Mountain was James Baldwin''s first major work, based in part on his own childhood in Harlem. With lyrical precision, psychological directness, resonating symbolic power, and a rage that is at once unrelenting and compassionate, Baldwin chronicles a fourteen-year-old boy''s discovery of the terms of his identity as the stepson of the minister of a Pentecostal storefront church in Harlem. Baldwin''s rendering of his protagonist''s spiritual, sexual, and moral struggle toward self-invention opened new possibilities in the American language and in the way Americans understood themselves.

James Baldwin''s ''School Reading By Grades: Fifth Year'' serves as a pedagogical treasure, meticulously curated to cultivate the young mind through the complexities of the English language. Published in 1897, this reader sets itself apart by Baldwin''s approach that intertwines language acquisition with cultural enrichment. Beyond its foundational aim to enhance spelling, vocabulary, and pronunciation, the text beckons fifth-year students to appreciate the finesse of superior literary works. Baldwin''s reader is a product of the progressive era, aspiring to elevate the individual by encouraging moral rectitude, awakening nationalistic fervor, and broadening the intellectual horizon across history, science, and art within its stylistically varied and carefully chosen literary excerpts. In exploring the textual and pedagogical nuances of Baldwin''s reader, one must consider the zeitgeist of Baldwin''s own trajectory as an American educator and administrator. Operating at a time when education reform was blossoming under the auspices of the progressive movement, Baldwin sought to mold the character and intellect of students through literature. The reader reflects Baldwin''s robust belief in moral education and his dedication to defining early educational standards—a testament to his understanding that literature is instrumental in shaping young citizens of a burgeoning American society. ''School Reading By Grades: Fifth Year'' is aptly recommended for scholars of educational history or practitioners intrigued by vernacular pedagogy at the cusp of the 20th century. Baldwin''s work offers a lens into the educational values and practices of the time, and remains a valuable resource for those interested in the intersection of literacy and ethical instruction. This reader not only pledges to deliver foundational linguistics skills but also takes upon itself the noble endeavor of nurturing a well-rounded, ethically conscious, and culturally savvy young individual.

The best of the best from a powerful voice in the American literary landscape who fearlessly tackled race, sex, politics, and art in his internationally acclaimed novels, short stories, plays, and essays. “[Baldwin] uses words as the sea uses waves, to flow and beat, advance and retreat, rise and take a bow in disappearing...the thought becomes poetry and the poetry illuminates thought.” —Langston Hughes James Baldwin was and remains a powerfully prophetic voice in the American literary landscape. His literary achievement is a lasting legacy about what it means to be American. Vintage Baldwin includes the short story “Sonny’s Blues”; the galvanizing civil rights examination “My Dungeon Shook: Letter to My Nephew on the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Emancipation”; the essays “Fifth Avenue, Uptown: A Letter from Harlem,” “The Discovery of What It Means to Be an American,” and “Nobody Knows My Name: A Letter from the South”; and excerpts from the novel Another Country and the play The Amen Corner. “If Van Gogh was our 19th-century artist-saint, James Baldwin is our 20th-century one.” —Michael Ondaatje

The Story of Daniel Webster by James Baldwin is a captivating biography that encapsulates the life and legacy of one of America’s most revered statesmen and orators. In this engaging narrative, Baldwin draws readers into the world of 19th-century America, highlighting the remarkable journey of Daniel Webster, known as The Great Nullifier. With a blend of informative storytelling and rich historical context, Baldwin explores Webster''s ascent from humble beginnings to stardom as a prominent political figure who profoundly influenced the course of American history. From his early days in New Hampshire, where he showed a fierce interest in education and the world around him, Webster''s passion for learning propelled him toward a legal career. As a young lawyer, he quickly gained a reputation for his unmatched oratory skills and persuasive arguments. Baldwin illustrates those moments when Webster captivated audiences with his speeches, earning accolades as one of the greatest debaters of his time. Readers will find themselves immersed in the political drama of the era, seeing how Webster''s voice and vision galvanized people on critical issues facing the nation, particularly regarding the balance of power between state and federal governments. Throughout the narrative, Baldwin captures the essence of Webster''s character—his unwavering dedication to national unity and his commitment to addressing the challenges that faced a young America. Webster was not just a legal mind; he was a passionate advocate. As a member of the U.S. Senate, he championed important causes and engaged in heated debates concerning slavery, tariffs, and the preservation of the Union. In these moments, Baldwin brings to life the fiery exchanges that shaped not only Webster’s career but also the destiny of a nation at a crossroads. Moreover, the book also sheds light on the personal struggles and triumphs of Daniel Webster. Baldwin delves into his life outside politics, portraying Webster as a man driven by ambition yet bound by the realities of life''s challenges. The author strikes a delicate balance between celebrating Webster''s accomplishments and acknowledging the complexities of his character, making him relatable to readers who grapple with their personal journeys. The significance of the story transcends its historical setting, as Baldwin''s insightful exploration of Daniel Webster''s life serves as an inspiration for today’s readers. The themes of leadership, integrity, and public service resonate powerfully, reminding us of the values that foster national unity and progress. Through Webster''s legacy, Baldwin imparts essential lessons on the importance of eloquence, reason, and unwavering commitment to beliefs that can transform society. The Story of Daniel Webster is more than just a biography; it is an invitation for readers to reflect on the role of oratory and advocacy in shaping the destiny of nations. Baldwin''s writing is both accessible and engaging, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in American history, politics, and the enduring power of persuasion. As readers journey through Webster''s extraordinary life, they will discover how one man''s voice can inspire change, encourage dialogue, and cultivate national spirit, making this work a timeless addition to the shelves of those who treasure the art and impact of effective communication.

"James Baldwin was born for truth. It called upon him to tell it on the mountains, to preach it in Harlem, to sing it on the Left Bank in Paris. . . . He was a giant." — Maya Angelou This collectible edition celebrates James Baldwin’s 100th-year anniversary, delving into his years in France and Switzerland Originally published in Notes of a Native Son, the essays, "Encounter on the Seine: Black Meets Brown," "A Question of Identity," "Equal in Paris," and "Stranger in the Village" will appeal to readers interested in Baldwin''s observations as a Black man overseas. During his transformative time in Europe, Baldwin uncovers what it means to be American, immersing the reader in his life as a foreigner, his troubling encounter with a Parisian prison, and his unprecedented arrival to a tiny Swiss village. This final collection in the Baldwin centennial anniversary series raises issues of identity, belonging, nationhood, and race within a global context. Encounter on the Seine: Essays showcases Baldwin’s strengths as a storyteller, revealing how his years in Paris transformed his understanding of American identity.

THE romance entitled "The Achievements of the Ingenious Gentleman, Don Quixote de la Mancha," was originally written in Spanish by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. It was published in two parts, the first in 1605 and the second in 1615—now just about three hundred years ago. Among the great books of the world it holds a permanent place. It has been translated into every language of Europe, even Turkish and Slavonic. It has been published in numberless editions. It has been read and enjoyed by men of the most diverse tastes and conditions. The story is so simple that every one can understand it, and yet it has in it so much wisdom that the wisest may derive pleasure from it. It touches the sen-se of humor in every heart. It moves to pity rather than ridicule, and to tears as well as laughter. And herein lies its chief claim to greatness, that it seems to have been written not for one country nor for one age alone, but to give delight to all mankind. "It is our joyfullest modern book." In its original form, however, it is a bulky work, dismaying the present-day reader by its vastness. For it fills more than a thousand closely printed pages, and the story itself is interrupted and encumbered by episodes and tedious passages which are no longer interesting and which we have no time to read. The person who would get at the kernel of this famous book and know something of its plan and its literary worth, must either struggle through many pages of tiresome details and unnecessary digressions, or he must resort to much ingenious skipping. In these days of many books and hasty reading, it is scarcely possible that any person should read the whole of Don Quixote in its original form. And yet no scholar can afford to be ignorant of a work so famous and so enjoyable. These considerations have led to the preparation of the present small volume. It is not so much an ab-ridgment of the great book by Cervantes as it is a rewriting of some of its most interesting parts. While very much of the work has necessarily been omitted, the various adventures are so related as to form a continuous narrative; and in every way an effort is made to give a clear idea of the manner and content of the original. Although Cervantes certainly had no thought of writing a story for children, there are many passages in Don Quixote which appeal particularly to young readers; and it is hoped that this adaptation of such passages will serve a useful purpose in awakening a desire to become further acquainted with that great world''s classic..

A rare, lucidly composed screenplay from one of America’s greatest writers, based on the bestselling classic The Autobiography of Malcolm X. • "Sharp.... Precise.... There is no questioning the depth and sincerity of Baldwin''s admiration for Malcolm X." —The Times Literary Supplement Son of a Baptist minister; New York City hustler; honor student; convicted criminal; powerful minister in the Nation of Islam; father and husband: Malcolm X transformed himself, time and again, in order to become one of the most feared, loved, and undeniably charismatic leaders of twentieth-century America. No one better represents the tumultuous times of his generation, and there is no one better to capture him and his milieu than James Baldwin. With spare, elegant, yet forceful dialogue and fresh, precise camera directions, Baldwin breathes cinematic life into this controversial and important figure, offering a new look at a man who changed himself in order to change the country.

Una de las mejores novelas del autor afroamericano James Baldwin. Una dolorosa historia de amor e injusticia racial en el Nueva York de los setenta que ha inspirado la nueva película de Barry Jenkins, director de la oscarizada Moonlight.En este gran clásico de la literatura norteamericana del siglo xx, James Baldwin da voz a Tish, una chica de diecinueve años embarazada de un joven escultor llamado Fonny. Novios desde el instituto, decidieron casarse y formar una familia, pero sus planes se truncan cuando él es injustamente acusado de violación y encarcelado. A través del relato de Tish recorremos la historia de amor de esta pareja afroamericana a la vez que asistimos al intento desesperado de la familia por liberar a Fonny de la cárcel y demostrar su inocencia, en una lucha contra la hostilidad y la injusticia de un sistema racista y corrupto. Publicada por primera vez en 1974, la violencia y la sensualidad de la novela de Baldwin siguen golpeando y conmoviendo conciencias con la cadencia triste y pasional del blues más sentido, avivado en estas páginas por el amor más puro y el afán de supervivencia d e unos seres marginados por el color de su piel y por su pobreza.La crítica ha dicho... «Hoy, como ayer, la narrativa estadounidense no puede entenderse sin haber leído a Baldwin.» El País «El blues de Beale Street es una historia conmovedora y dolorosa. Es tan vívidamente humana y está tan evidentemente basada en la propia realidad que nos parece atemporal; un arte que no tiene la mínima necesidad de trucos estéticos.» Joyce Carol Oates, The New York Times Book Review «Baldwin es un escritor extraordinariamente bueno, valiente y colmado de emoción: desde la rabia hasta la ternura exquisita. Es realmente uno de los buenos, uno de los grandes escritores que Estados Unidos ha producido.» Paul Auster «Si Van Gogh fue nuestro artista-santo del siglo XIX, en el siglo XX tenemos a James Baldwin.» Michael Ondaatje «Uno de los mejores libros escritos por Baldwin, quizás el mejor de todos.» The Philadelphia Inquirer «Una gran obra dentro de la ficción afroamericana en Estados Unidos [...]. Su mejor novela.» The New Republic «Una potente historia de amor. Luminosa, trágica, desaforada, como deben ser esta clase de historias.» Miguel Artaza, Pérgola «Una historia de regusto clásico, de una intensidad, sensualidad y humanidad incomparables.» Raül Jiménez, Indienauta

Dans le Harlem des années cinquante, se nouent les destins de quatre adolescents : Julia l’enfant évangéliste qui enflamme les foules, Jimmy son jeune frère, Arthur le talentueux chanteur de gospel et Hall son frère aîné. Trente ans plus tard, Hall tente de faire le deuil d’Arthur et revient sur leur jeunesse pour comprendre la folle logique qui a guidé leur vie. Pourquoi Julia a-t-elle subitement cessé de prêcher ? Pourquoi le quartet s’est-il dispersé ? Pourquoi Arthur n’a-t-il jamais trouvé le bonheur ? Ce roman magistral, où la violence et l’érotisme sont constamment maîtrisés par la tendresse et l’humour du poète, est, comme l’écrit Alain Mabanckou, « l’un des plus beaux chants de fraternité, d’amour, d’espérance et d’expiation ». Traduit de l’anglais (États-Unis) par Christiane Besse. Préface d’Alain Mabanckou.

The works of James Baldwin constitute one of the major contributions to American literature in the twentieth century, and nowhere is this more evident than in The Price of the Ticket, a compendium of nearly fifty years of Baldwin''s powerful nonfiction writing. With truth and insight, these personal, prophetic works speak to the heart of the experience of race and identity in the United States. Here are the full texts of Notes of a Native Son, Nobody Knows My Name, The Fire Next Time, No Name in the Street, and The Devil Finds Work, along with dozens of other pieces, ranging from a 1948 review of Raintree Country to a magnificent introduction to this book that, as so many of Mr. Baldwin''s works do, combines his intensely private experience with the deepest examination of social interaction between the races. In a way, The Price of the Ticket is an intellectual history of the twentieth-century American experience; in another, it is autobiography of the highest order.

In "Misread Passages of Scriptures," James Baldwin Brown delves into the nuanced interpretations of biblical texts, challenging conventional readings that have shaped theological thought throughout history. Employing a critical lens, Brown combines literary analysis with historical context, unveiling layers of meaning often overlooked by traditional exegesis. His prose is poignant and accessible, inviting both scholars and lay readers to engage with the complexities of scripture, while also addressing contemporary moral dilemmas and existential questions that resonate within society today. James Baldwin Brown, an esteemed theologian and literary critic, draws on his extensive background in religious studies and literature to interrogate the scriptures'' meanings. Brown''s passion for exploring the intersections of faith, culture, and human experience has influenced his writing, prompting him to address the misinterpretations that have perpetuated division and misunderstanding. His rich academic journey, coupled with lived experiences in diverse communities, informs this work, positioning it as both a scholarly endeavor and a personal quest for clarity and unity in belief. This book is highly recommended for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of scripture''s multifaceted nature. It serves as an essential resource for theologians, students, and curious readers alike, encouraging a reflective examination of faith while reinstating the transformative power of literature in dialogue with spiritual inquiry.

IN the year 1719 an Englishman whose name was Daniel Defoe wrote a very long story, which he called "The Life and Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe." His story was not designed for children, and therefore it contained a great deal of hard reading. There was much in it, however, that was interesting to young people, and from that day to this, the marvelous tale of Robinson Crusoe has been a favorite with boys as well as men. I have rewritten the story in words easy for every child, and have shortened it by leaving out all the dull parts.I WISH TO BE A SAILORMY name is Robinson Crusoe. I was born in the old city of York, where there is a broad river, with ships coming and going. When I was a little boy, I spent much of my time looking at the river.How pleasant was the quiet stream, flowing, always flowing,Toward the far-away sea!

In "Hero Tales," James Baldwin intricately weaves a tapestry of narratives that underscore the heroism found within the everyday lives of Black individuals. Through poignant prose and vivid imagery, Baldwin delves into the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of figures often marginalized in traditional histories. Set against the backdrop of racial tension and social injustice, this work transcends mere biography, merging Baldwin''s distinct lyrical voice with a profound literary legacy that resonates with both the personal and the communal, breaking new ground in the genre of African American literature. James Baldwin, a formidable figure in American literature and civil rights advocacy, draws from his own experiences growing up in Harlem. His keen awareness of the sociopolitical climate of mid-20th century America, coupled with his existential reflections on identity and belonging, influenced the narrative choices in "Hero Tales." Baldwin''s ability to articulate complex human emotions and societal critiques not only emphasizes his literary genius but also enriches readers''Äô understanding of the cultural heroes he portrays. Readers seeking an insightful exploration of heroism within the African American context will find "Hero Tales" both enlightening and inspiring. Baldwin''s masterful storytelling invites contemplation and empathy, making it a necessary addition to the canon of literature that seeks to amplify marginalized voices and celebrate the richness of Black history.

"There''s no way not to suffer. But you try all kinds of ways to keep from drowning in it." The men and women in these eight short fictions grasp this truth on an elemental level, and their stories, as told by James Baldwin, detail the ingenious and often desperate ways in which they try to keep their head above water. It may be the heroin that a down-and-out jazz pianist uses to face the terror of pouring his life into an inanimate instrument. It may be the brittle piety of a father who can never forgive his son for his illegitimacy. Or it may be the screen of bigotry that a redneck deputy has raised to blunt the awful childhood memory of the day his parents took him to watch a black man being murdered by a gleeful mob. By turns haunting, heartbreaking, and horrifying--and informed throughout by Baldwin''s uncanny knowledge of the wounds racism has left in both its victims and its perpetrators--Going to Meet the Man is a major work by one of our most important writers.

Depicts the environment and daily life of two boys coming of age in Harlem.

In a small Southern town, a white man murders a black man, then throws his body in the weeds. With this act of violence--which is loosely based on the notorious 1955 killing of Emmett Till--James Baldwin launches an unsparing and at times agonizing probe of the wounds of race. For where once a white storekeeper could have shot a "boy" like Richard Henry with impunity, times have changed. And centuries of brutality and fear, patronage and contempt, are about to erupt in a moment of truth as devastating as a shotgun blast. In his award-winning play, Baldwin turns a murder and its aftermath into an inquest in which even the most well-intentioned whites are implicated--and in which even a killer receives his share of compassion.

Filmmanuskript.

How is this book unique? Font adjustments & biography included Unabridged (100% Original content) Illustrated About Old Greek Stories by James Baldwin Greece, for many ages they have been a source of delight to young people and old, to the ignorant and the learned, to all who love to hear about and contemplate things mysterious, beautiful, and grand. They have become so incorporated into our language and thought, and so interwoven with our literature, that we could not do away with them now if we would. They are a portion of our heritage from the distant past, and they form perhaps as important a part of our intellectual life as they did of that of the people among whom they originated. That many of these tales should be read by children at an early age no intelligent person will deny. Sufficient reason for this is to be found in the real pleasure that every child derives from their perusal: and in the preparation of this volume no other reason has been considered.