The Souls of Black Folk

Du Bois's classic, first published in 1903, is read with sensitivity and insight by Warren Hazlett. As the author writes of the condition of blacks in the United States, the influence of leaders such as Booker T. Washington, and the meanings of black music, which he calls "sorrow songs," the listener will be struck by how many of his observations still resonate in the new millennium. Hazlett narrates with strength and nuance, and the immediacy of his style brings the book to life. His phrasing and intonations are always appropriate to the text, expressing the shade of emotion needed. Those who might find the text difficult to stay with--or who might never have attempted to read the book--should be drawn along with the narrative, thanks to Hazlett's skill. M.A.M. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine

Listeners will quickly realize that Du Bois's classic treatise on life in a post-slavery U.S. society still has resonance today. Du Bois examines how black progress was systematically obstructed for two generations after the abolition of slavery. He also discusses the unique and creative ways in which African-Americans must negotiate a system that regularly dehumanizes them and takes their lives. With a light crackle in his voice, narrator Rodney Gardiner captures listeners' attention, but it's his rhythmic intonation that proves most appealing. His ability to emphasize the most important elements in each sentence while maintaining its cadence carries listeners through the production, making this a powerful experience. L.E. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine