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Imperium in Imperio
Self-published in 1899 and sold door-to-door by the author, this classic African-American novel—a gripping exploration of oppression, miscegenation, exploitation, and black empowerment—was a major bestseller in its day. The dramatic story of a conciliatory black man and a mulatto nationalist who grow up in a racist America and are driven to join a radical movement dedicate...more
Paperback, 208 pages
Published
January 6th 2004
by Modern Library
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I saw this initially in a list of science-fiction, and elsewhere saw it described as a utopia, which is closer; I'd almost say 'secret history' except of course being set in the author's present.
Genre aside: two black boys grow up in the post-slavery South US, get formal education and the informal education of inequality, injustice, and lynchings. Late-ish in the novel it's revealed that a secret black society with its own government (hence the title) are trying to work out what to make of their...more
Genre aside: two black boys grow up in the post-slavery South US, get formal education and the informal education of inequality, injustice, and lynchings. Late-ish in the novel it's revealed that a secret black society with its own government (hence the title) are trying to work out what to make of their...more
"The Bible which the white people gave us, teaches us that we are men. The Declaration of Independence, which we behold them wearing over their hearts, tells us that all men are created equal. If, as the Bible says, we are men; if, as Jefferson says, all men are equal..."
I don't even need to finish the above quote from Sutton Griggs' book Imperium in Imperio for one to see where that simple logic leads. It's clear, but all still so murky in practice.
This book was self-published in 1899 and sold...more
I don't even need to finish the above quote from Sutton Griggs' book Imperium in Imperio for one to see where that simple logic leads. It's clear, but all still so murky in practice.
This book was self-published in 1899 and sold...more
I really enjoyed this book. I read it straight through because it was hard to put down. It showed several levels of consciousness without being too overbearing in perspective. The story was interesting, and the ending emotional.
Interesting book. Very quick read and thought provoking, especially when considering its provenance. Written in 1899 and self-published, this book provides some insight into early civil rights discussions among African Americans.
Dec 17, 2012
Chandra Kamaria
added it
Sutton E. Griggs has been relatively overlooked when it comes to Black intellectuals and those who were advocates of Black nationalism. Imperium in Imperio has been re-introduced to American literature and given its rightful due. Self-published in 1899, it is regarded as the first Black protest novel. Even though it is well over 100 years old, its posturing in Black thought is alarmingly relevant to today. The only thing that makes it a bit antiquated is in the writing and phrasing. Other than t...more
Odd novel. Interesting in terms of a history of black nationalism especially in relation to US imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th century.
A quick read with very complex characters. Imperium in Imperio is an interesting idea, especially for the time period.
May 15, 2013
Spencer
marked it as to-read
Mar 25, 2013
Chris Spivey
marked it as to-read
Mar 06, 2013
Sara
is currently reading it
Feb 15, 2013
Jordyn
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Nov 19, 2012
Sari
marked it as to-read
Nov 08, 2012
Sierra Franklin
is currently reading it
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