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The American Dream Is at the Expense of the American Negro

Series: ERIS Gems
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The American Dream Is at the Expense of the American Negro presents James Baldwin's incisive 1965 speech at the Cambridge Union Society, where he delivers a profound exploration of the entrenched racism shaping American society. Baldwin confronts the stark reality that the nation has not created a place for Black Americans within its identity, offering a powerful psychological analysis of white supremacy.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This booklet will resonate with readers interested in civil rights history, social justice, and political thought, especially those seeking deeper understanding of systemic racism in America through the voice of a leading intellectual.

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A devastating, but also strikingly empathetic, account of the role played by racism in American society.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

"It comes as a great shock to discover that the country which is your birthplace and to which you owe your life and your identity, has not, in its whole system of reality, evolved any place for you".

James Baldwin was one of America's most powerful analysts of the psychology of white supremacy. In this speech, delivered in 1965 at the Cambridge Union Society, he offers a devastating, but also strikingly empathetic, account of the role played by racism in American society.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781912475995

Publisher: ERIS

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 31 August 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: ERIS

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 110.0mm

Height: 200.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 20

About the Author

James Baldwin (1924–87) was a writer and civil rights activist. Among his best-known works are the novel Giovanni’s Room, the essay collection Notes of a Native Son, and the polemic The Fire Next Time.

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