When Black Culture and Black Consciousness first appeared thirty years ago, it marked a revolution in our understanding of African American history. Contrary to prevailing ideas at the time, which held that African culture disappeared quickly under slavery and that black Americans had little group pride, history, or cohesiveness, Levine uncovered a cultural treasure trove, illuminating a rich and complex African American oral tradition, including songs, proverbs, jokes, folktales, and long narrative poems called toasts--work that dated from before and after emancipation. The fact that these ideas and sources seem so commonplace now is in large part due this book and the scholarship that followed in its wake. A landmark work that was part of the "cultural turn" in American history, Black Culture and Black Consciousness profoundly influenced an entire generation of historians and continues to be read and taught. For this anniversary reissue, Levine wrote a new preface reflecting on the writing of the book and its place within intellectual trends in African American and American cultural history.

Presents a collection of letters written by Americans in response to Franklin Roosevelt's 'Fireside Chats.'

In response to recent books attacking the contemporary university and blaming educators for a decline in American culture, the author argues that the 'opening up' of American education and of a changing society are inextricably linked

Gathers photographs by Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, Russell Lee and others, that everyday life in the U.S

Gathers photographs by Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, Russell Lee and others, that everyday life in the U.S (view table of contents)

Looks at the development of a split between serious and popular culture in America and discusses drama, opera, orchestral music, art, and literature

Product Description: An academic exploration of the social turmoil and political temper in recent US history.