Principia Of Ethnology The Origin Of Races And Color, With An Archaeological Compendium Of Ethiopian And Egyptian Civilization, From Years Of Careful Examination And Inquiry

by Martin R. Delany

Principia Of The Origin Of Races And Color, With An Archæological Compendium Of Ethiopian And Egyptian Civilization, From Years Of Careful Examination And Inquiry is a scholarly work that examines the origins of races and color, with a particular focus on the civilizations of Ethiopia and Egypt. Delany offers an in-depth analysis based on years of research, highlighting the historical and anthropological aspects of these ancient cultures. The book discusses the development of different racial groups and the significance of color in the context of human evolution. Through detailed observations, the author explores the cultural, social, and technological contributions of these civilizations, positioning them as influential forces in the broader history of humanity. Delany also critiques the prevailing racial theories of his time, offering a perspective that challenges established notions about race and its implications. The book is not only a historical account but also an exploration of the interplay between archaeology, anthropology, and ethnology. By delving into the ancient past, Delany attempts to shed light on the complexities of race and civilization, offering readers an alternative view that emphasizes the contributions of African civilizations to the development of the world.

94 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2025

About the author

Martin Robinson Delany was an African-American abolitionist, journalist, physician, soldier, writer and proponent of black nationalism. Delany was born in Charles Town, Virginia and raised and in Chambersburg and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

In 1850, Delany was among the first three black students admitted to Harvard Medical School, from which they were dismissed weeks after their admission due to student protests. Delany traveled throughout the South in 1839 to observe slavery there, and in 1847 started working with Frederick Douglass to publish North Star, an anti-slavery newspaper.

At the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861, Delany returned to the United States after living in Canada and visiting Liberia. By 1863, Delany was recruiting blacks for the United States Colored Troops. In 1865, Delany became the first African-American field grade officer in the United States Army, having been commissioned as a major. After the American Civil War, Delany settled in South Carolina and pursued a political career before his death in 1885 as a member of both the Republican and Democratic parties.