73 pages • 2 hours read
Keisha N. Blain, ed., Ibram X. Kendi, ed.Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Four Hundred Souls, edited by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain, comprises 90 essays and ten poems by 80 Black writers, chronicling African American history from 1619 to 2019 in ten parts, each covering 40 years. The writers reflect on significant events and periods, including housing discrimination, the Middle Passage, colonial laws, and civil rights movements, using a choral approach to create a unified narrative of Black resilience and perseverance.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Four Hundred Souls, edited by Keisha N. Blain and Ibram X. Kendi, is lauded for its diverse voices and comprehensive exploration of African American history. Critics praise its rich, multifaceted narrative and scholarly rigor. However, some note its dense content can be overwhelming. Overall, it's an essential, enlightening read that skillfully blends historical and contemporary perspectives.
Who Should Read Four Hundred Souls?
Readers who appreciate Four Hundred Souls, edited by Keisha N. Blain and Ibram X. Kendi, are often drawn to deeply researched, multi-perspective historical accounts. Fans of The 1619 Project or Stamped from the Beginning will find this a compelling exploration of African American history through diverse voices.