Martin R. Delany: A Documentary Reader - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 080785431X ISBN 13: 9780807854310

Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press, 2003

Synopsis

Martin R. Delany (1812–85) has been called the “Father of Black Nationalism,” but his extraordinary career also encompassed the roles of abolitionist, physician, editor, explorer, politician, army officer, novelist, and political theorist. Despite his enormous influence in the nineteenth century, and his continuing influence on black nationalist thought in the twentieth century, Delany has remained a relatively obscure figure in U.S. culture, generally portrayed as a radical separatist at odds with the more integrationist Frederick Douglass.

This pioneering documentary collection offers readers a chance to discover, or rediscover, Delany in all his complexity. Through nearly 100 documents — approximately two-thirds of which have not been reprinted since their initial nineteenth-century publications — it traces the full sweep of his fascinating career. Included are selections from Delany’s early journalism, his emigrationist writings of the 1850s, his 1859-62 novel, Blake (one of the first African American novels published in the United States), and his later writings on Reconstruction. Incisive and shrewd, angry and witty, Delany’s words influenced key nineteenth-century debates on race and nation, addressing issues that remain pressing in our own time.

About this title

About the Author

Robert S. Levine is professor of English and director of graduate studies at the University of Maryland, College Park. His books include Martin Delany, Frederick Douglass, and the Politics of Representative Identity.

Reviews

One of the most influential African American leaders of the 19th century, abolitionist, physician, and editor Delany (1812-85) is considered the father of black nationalism. Gathered here are 100 selections from his early journalism, his emigrationist writings of the 1850s, a novel, and other works.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 080785431X
• ISBN 13: 9780807854310
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 520
• Editor: Levine Robert S.