Marvin Friedlander

Baldwin Speaks Marvin Friedlander

In this biography, Marv Friedlander brings James Baldwin alive by providing a glimpse into the wit and artistry of the man who boasted that "I disturbed the peace and threatened society's sense of safety." Adored as a prophetic witness and reviled as a forbidden pervert, Baldwin offered a perspective of an America that never fully accepted him. Previously, Friedlander profiled two early twentieth century icons. Felix Speaks: Adler's Ethical Culture, describes the ideas and life of the founder of an ethical alternative to a deity-based religion. Du Bois Speaks presents a penetrating look at a civil rights icon who heralded a critical and honest perspective of race in America. Now, he provides a highly readable view of one of the great black intellectuals who spoke and wrote to America with stridency, humor, and honesty. For example, Baldwin wrote the following blunt statement."A very brutal thing must be said: The intentions of this melancholic country as concerns black people . . . they needed us for labor and for sport. Now they can't get rid of us."James BaldwinDespite cynicism born of rage and fear between black and white people, Baldwin describes how we might learn to overcome our deeply- held prejudices. His views are relevant for today and tomorrow. Don't miss this one.