Damn Rare: The Memoirs of an African-American Bibliophile

by Charles L. Blockson

The subtitle of the The Memoirs of an African-American Bibliophile, is like a sign that warns to be prepared for the unexpected. The three hundred and fifty-two pages book is more than a memoir. It is an authoritative panoramic story of an African-American man growning up in America. Nearly every aspect of African-American life is covered that also include "the numbers," and superstition. "...everybody played the numbers including some ministers...The numbers racket was as popular in many communities as lotteries are today, and it was more profitable for black people." Those who buy the book will also meet and come to know major personalities in his W.E.B. DuBois, Paul Robeson, Marian Anderson, Lessing J. Rosenwald, Jackie Robinson, Malcolm X, Alex Haley, Alice Walker, and many other personalities known and unknown. The dynamics of Mr. Blockson's story hinges on an uncommon look into an African-American bibliophile's life.

334 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Such an incredible body of work! The writing was honestly a bit clunky at times but that’s ok - the man’s not a novelist and it actually felt very intimate, like I was reading him think some memories through. And it was also transcendent.

[Rochelle Culbreath]

This is a must read for all who knew this family. Anyone growing up in the 19401 and most importantly anyone growing up blocks away from Green and Spruce!