From Superman to Man

by J.A. Rogers

Joel Augustus Rogers (1880 -- 1966) was a Jamaican-American author, journalist, and historian who contributed to the history of Africa and the African diaspora, especially the history of African Americans in the United States. His research spanned the academic fields of history, sociology and anthropology. He challenged prevailing ideas about race, demonstrated the connections between civilizations, and traced African achievements. He was one of the greatest popularizers of African history in the 20th century.

"From Superman to Man" is a stirring story, faithful to truth and helpful to a better understanding and feeling. From Superman to Man is a vindication of the American Negro; a significant contribution to interracial literature in more ways than one. Its breadth of scholastic research, its selection and concentration of matter are as amazing as its wealth of information.

The book is well written and the skillful management of materials shows not only the author's mastery of his subject, but his knowledge of the technique of the literary art. In the program of the broadest education of the races and the promotion of social concord and co-operation this volume should be in every library and home of the country. In his absorbing story we see the souls, of the white and darker worlds groping and struggling toward the better day of peace and good understanding between the races.

Genres: History, Race, Nonfiction, Classics, Politics, Historical

109 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1941

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.

Joel Augustus Rogers was a Jamaican-American author, journalist, and historian who contributed to the history of Africa and the African diaspora, especially the history of African Americans in the United States. His research spanned the academic fields of history, sociology and anthropology. He challenged prevailing ideas about race, demonstrated the connections between civilizations, and traced African achievements. He was one of the greatest popularizers of African history in the 20th century.

Reviews

[Jonah G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be required 5th grade and/or middle school reading. Rogers, being a scholar, a historian, and a great writer creates a history text written in novel form. He creates a scenario about two gentlemen, one white the other black,discussing stereotypes common to that era on a train ride. With each stereotype asked about, the black gentlemen replies with a historical, scientific, anthropological, or statistical rebuttal that debunks the myth. This book is wonderful for children to get a lot of the stereotypes, myths, etc that they believe or have heard answered or refuted. The terminology can be a little difficult for a novice reader, but if done as a Black History Month read aloud, the instructor could use the difficult words as an opportunity to expand their students vocabulary.

[Marrico Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rogers was our first Black historian, if I'm not mistaken. But sadly, he is underappreciated and hardly celebrated and recognized. I read this book in my early twenties, and it impacted me then. I believe the arguments within it are still valid and relevant to this day.

[Maurice Miles Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so inspirational that I wrote the sequel to it called: From Man To Superman: Dr. John Henrik Clarke vs. Herman Cain (by Maurice Miles Martinez). Through an early 20th century conversation between an African-American porter and a racist White senator, Rogers masterfully teaches his reader about race in the world. Readers will love the factual information that is packed into this short novel. In the early 1900s African-American porters had to subjugate themselves to Whites. In this novel, Rogers brilliantly brings an arsenal of information to combat the senator’s widely believed false ideas about race. There is a video online showing a play that was based upon the book for readers that may want to grab a snippet of the value of this book. My book: From Man to Superman: Dr. John Henrik Clarke vs. Herman Cain (by Maurice Miles Martinez) is designed to be the modern day sequel to Rogers’ book and an introduction to the little known facts about African history, science, monuments and medicine. Rogers is a genius for dismantling racist notions in his book and takes the senator from believing that he is a superman to becoming a man. My book From Man to Superman: Dr. John Henrik Clarke vs. Herman Cain (by Maurice Miles Martinez) is about taking the African, who has been disenfranchised and disconnected from his history, to truly understanding the rich nature of African people. Using more than 200 sources, I discuss the solution to the problem of racism and I challenge the political solutions presented by both Democrats and Republicans. Rogers’ book is thrilling, engaging, and will transform your understanding about the world. Even the non-reader will not be able to put this book down. I would highly recommend that people purchase J. A. Rogers’ book: From Superman to Man.

[Jalen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book highlights the fact that there are no differences between the biological attributes of humans, and debunks many stereotypes and prejudices that racists use to justify their ignorance and hatred towards other peoples. This story has a powerful meaning, however, the context was often saturated with content that made the read difficult at times. Very educational, none the less.

[Ankhti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

One of the best debates on race of all time. The true nature of a scholar is to deal with truth, facts, and sources. Rogers did all of the above. The sad truth is that we are still in this quandary today in America concerning race even with the strides made. This is a must read for every American.

[Jerald Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be mandatory reading for every young man growing up in the 'hood. Pride inspiring!

[Maurice Miles Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so inspirational that I wrote the sequel to it called: From Man To Superman: Dr. John Henrik Clarke vs. Herman Cain (by Maurice Miles Martinez). Through an early 20th century conversation between an African-American porter and a racist White senator, Rogers masterfully teaches his reader about race in the world. Readers will love the factual information that is packed into this short, powerful novel. In the early 1900s African-American porters had to subjugate themselves to Whites. In this novel, Rogers brilliantly brings an arsenal of information to combat the senator’s widely believed false ideas about race. There is a video online showing a play that was based upon the book for readers that may want to grab a snippet of the value of this book. My book: From Man to Superman: Dr. John Henrik Clarke vs. Herman Cain (by Maurice Miles Martinez) is designed to be the modern day sequel to Rogers’ book and an introduction to the little known facts about African history, science, monuments and medicine. Rogers is a genius for dismantling racist notions in his book and takes the senator from believing that he is a superman to becoming a man. My book From Man to Superman: Dr. John Henrik Clarke vs. Herman Cain (by Maurice Miles Martinez) is about taking the African, who has been disenfranchised and disconnected from his history, to truly understanding the rich history and culture of African people. Using more than 200 sources, I discuss the solution to the problem of racism and I challenge the political solutions presented by both Democrats and Republicans. Rogers’ book is thrilling, engaging, and will transform your understanding about the world. Even the non-reader will not be able to put this book down. I would highly recommend that people purchase J. A. Rogers’ book: From Superman to Man.

[Dre J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was published in 1917 and its a shame that many of the concepts about racism still exists in the land we live in. 100 plus years later we are still dealing with these same issues. Great little read often found myself debating against the politician out loud while reading. There are some uncomfortable bits about race and they are only uncomfortable because there are people out there that see people of color as a whole in that light.

[Maurice Miles Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good that I wrote the sequel to it called: From Man to Superman: Dr. John Henrik Clarke vs. Herman Cain by Maurice Miles Martinez. My book is an introduction to African history, cites more than 200 sources and is also in the setting of a novel. J.A. Rogers’ book From Superman to Man is one of the best books written on race. Rogers utilizes an informal discussion between a very knowledgeable African American porter and a racist senator to explore a number of academic arguments about race. This book should be required reading in every school. My book, From Man to Superman: Dr. John Henrik Clarke vs. Herman Cain discusses historical and modern racism such as the New Jim Crow, but also focuses upon the precolonial accomplishments of Africans in the fields of science, medicine, mathematics, literature, philosophy and architecture/construction. If you enjoyed the movie Black Panther, you will love Rogers’ book and From Man to Superman: Dr. John Henrik Clarke vs. Herman Cain by Maurice Miles Martinez.

[Born Uhuru · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've owned this book for the better part of 3 years and finally sat down and read it. I got half way through day one and decided that "From Superman to Man" was more reading for the whole family. So I grabbed Kindles, iPad, computer, and my physical copy and sat down and read it with my wife and children. J.A Rogers deserves supreme credit for writing this back in 1917 when the consciousness of Black america started to shift. Sad to say some of the consciousness of Babylon is STILL trying to catch up.
This is required reading for everyone regardless of origin. We still have such a bad problem with racism because half of Babylon still refuses to use the right side of the brain and help destroy it's ignorance. I love the character Dixon and all the references that are given. I have to own copies of those now. The setting is perfect. Definitely recommending this next to the Destruction of Black Civilization.

[anthony q. deloach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to remind myself often that this book was written in the early 20th century. In that, there were so many parallels to today in the way the American masses, primarily the dominant culture, view Black people of African descent, specifically descendants of formal African Slaves brought here from the west coast of Africa. The book also has moments to reflect on Christianity and some of the hypocrisy exhibited by those who profess to be Christian and what they may want to say is that they are "trying' to become Christians.

[Jessica M Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite quote is listed below.

Whilst ideas of beauty are purely individual, the standard of nobility of the soul is universal. Character, then, should be the standard by which to judge human beings. After all, man is not like cattle which we rear for appearance sake. I think that any face lit up by the right living and high ideals is beautiful regardless of color.

[Kyle Chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first part is where I summarize the story, but don't give away the ending.

The second part is where I review or explain what I thought about the book and why it deserved the number of stars I gave it.

[EUGENE WILLIAMS PHD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb Book

I would recommend this book to every citizen of this the United States. It tackles race relations head on, without mixing words. It exposes the truth of supremacy. I am especially thankful to the homeless guy, who thought enough of me to recommend it.

[George H Wortham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

The story is the same 100 years later. Our President is passenger #1, but he has surrounded himself with anti-Dixons, so he will never see the light.
Could not have been more timely.

[Corina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

It’s taken me some time to read this book. It’s truly a great read. I found it very interesting yet a little disheartening because the things talked about are still occurring 101 years later...

[Ruth Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intellectually stimulating!

Superbly written. Every single argument presented with the utmost care. Beautifully inspiring. Makes me want to meet not only the writer but his characters as well.

[Brenda McConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and interesting enough, apropos to the present day in which we live.

Rate 5. I would recommend this book to others.
I find the book a great social experiment in race and humanity.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An arrogant senator from the south engages an educated black porter in a conversation about race on a cross-country train trip.

This absolutely should be required reading in all schools. Excellent text to get the dialogue started. Brilliantly written.

[Patrick Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I'll tell you, because political tricksters find it very much easier to corral the vote of the whites by an appeal to race hate."

[Chelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Brilliant! Absolutely Brilliant! I heart Mr Rogers

[Omaar Antonio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very easy read about a great early 1900's conversation between an "African-American" porter and a bigoted "white" senator, Rogers masterfully teaches his reader about race in the world.

[Charles P Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

How little things change.

I was amazed at how little conditions have changed in 2019 America since this book was written in the 1920's.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for everyone. Amazing how long ago this was written and is still so relevant today.

[Mike Ncube · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Deserves 6 stars.

[Jerome · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read.

[Maurice Miles Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so inspirational that I wrote the sequel to it called: From Man To Superman: Dr. John Henrik Clarke vs. Herman Cain (by Maurice Miles Martinez). Through an early 20th century conversation between an African-American porter and a racist White senator, Rogers masterfully teaches his reader about race in the world. Readers will love the factual information that is packed into this short novel. In the early 1900s African-American porters had to subjugate themselves to Whites. In this novel, Rogers brilliantly brings an arsenal of information to combat the senator’s widely believed false ideas about race. There is a video online showing a play that was based upon the book for readers that may want to grab a snippet of the value of this book. My book: From Man to Superman: Dr. John Henrik Clarke vs. Herman Cain (by Maurice Miles Martinez) is designed to be the modern day sequel to Rogers’ book and an introduction to the little known facts about African history, science, monuments and medicine. Rogers is a genius for dismantling racist notions in his book and takes the senator from believing that he is a superman to becoming a man. My book From Man to Superman: Dr. John Henrik Clarke vs. Herman Cain (by Maurice Miles Martinez) is about taking the African, who has been disenfranchised and disconnected from his history, to truly understanding the rich nature of African people. Using more than 200 sources, I discuss the solution to the problem of racism and I challenge the political solutions presented by both Democrats and Republicans. Rogers’ book is thrilling, engaging, and will transform your understanding about the world. Even the non-reader will not be able to put this book down. I would highly recommend that people purchase J. A. Rogers’ book: From Superman to Man.

[Lance Eaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rogers' fictional polemic explores and deconstructs the racism that pervades the United States. The story focuses largely on a conversation between Dixon, a Black porter on a train, and the white Southern racist legislator as the legislator attempts to argue the "nature" of Black inferiority. Over the course of several days, the conversations wind and turn with him throwing up argument after argument. But whether a strawperson of sociology, biology, psychology, economics, culture, religion, etc, they all crumble against Dixon's ample intelligence and research. While Dixon is a fictional character, the research he calls upon is real, relying on scientists, philosophers, political thinkers, and many others both of the time and from centuries past. That's what is most striking about this book from 1917--the height of Jim Crow--that Rogers has such a systematic reach of knowledge to dismantle every argument racism. It's the type of book that sends a reader researching to learn more about the various scholars and thinkers that Rogers' calls upon. Though his arguments are not always perfect and would run into some limitations in the discourse of racism today, it's still overwhelmingly prescient and powerful to see how fraudulently race differences have been upheld in American society for so long. Finally, what proves most interesting about Rogers' work is how often he calls upon elements that would later show up in writers such at Martin Luther King, Jr., James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison around the ways in which whiteness itself is its own version of enslavement (of mind) to which whites are largely unaware of but often beholden to. These moments in the book are most prescient to help understand how racism continues to exist in the US.

[Rabbit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating

Not at all as simplistic as one might think, and sadly relevant; the arguments one sees in race relations have not changed much in the hundred years since this book was published. The e-book has some unfortunate typographical errors, and some of the scientific discussion in the book is very dated- generally all has gone far more in favor of racial equality, and the need for racial equity. Anyway, I could see his called preachy, but only because the polemic novel has fallen out of fashion. This remains a useful look back at the evolution of a question which should long have been settled.

[Keyona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative dialogue

This is my first piece of literature this author, but it won't be the last. I liked that this story was staged as a debate of sorts and really incited personal thoughts on issues. This book was written over a hundred years ago, but still has much application today. It really puts America's progress over that time period in perspective.

I also appreciated the mention of authors and literature throughout the story line. Most of them were added to !y list.