James Baldwin

by Lisa Rosset

A biography of an American author noted for his books on racial conflict in the United States

111 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1978

Reviews

[Newly Wardell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed looked into the life of an American original. The language is accessible for all ages without heroics. Ideal for anyone trying to explain civil rights to younger audiences

[Tracy Backer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to the life and writings of James Baldwin. It's not exhaustive, but it gave me enough information to check out his writings, and to make me wish I had met him.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer Bingo 2021 - biography

[Iva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosset has done an excellent job of presenting a comprehensive picture of James Baldwin's life. Presented in a series for young adults (Library of Congress gives it that "juvenile literature" label) it is also a full picture of the times especially emphasizing his involvement in the the Civil Rights movement. Excellent photos accompany almost every page. Baldwin's homosexuality is referred to, though no personal relationships are mentioned. His literary achievements as a novelist, essayist, playwright and poet are covered as well as why he and Richard Wright had a falling out. For all readers interested in James Baldwin, this is a great starting point and would encourage them to seek out his work.

[R-mig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This biography is a must-read for anybody, who wants to dive into and analyze Baldwin's work (books and/or essays).
It's been a year since I've been on this road of discovery, and I regret not reading this as a preparatory assignment. I can undoubtedly affirm that I appreciate and comprehend Baldwin in a new respect and regard.

Just a thought: Although I always keep Malcom X and Martin Luther King Jr. in my thoughts, I'm elated that James made it out alive and lived a life worth living (at least, and perhaps, the last 20 years of his life).

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it quite a lot, but I'm a really big fan of James Baldwin.

[Trina Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful account of one writer's life and how he literally had to leave America to feel like an American.