The Memphis Diary of Ida B. Wells

by Miriam DeCosta-Willis (Editor)

A complete edition of her diary tracks the life of a young schoolteacher and journalist who became a fearless crusader against lynching in the late nineteenth century while struggling with growing violence against blacks in the post-Reconstruction South.

Genres: History, Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography, Race, Womens, American History

214 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book in my early 20's which is the same age Wells was during the writing of much of her diary. The themes reflected in the diary are issues of concern to many women in that age range--- romance, finances and future plans.
Most of the diary entries are short but the editor does a good job painting in the details of Wells's life and community.
This book is a bit of an academic read but I would recommend it to any history buffs.

[Katharine Holden · Rating 1 out of 5]

These diaries are interesting only in that they exist. They're not interesting to read. Mostly, they pre-date Wells' activism days.

[monica park]

lowkey ida b wells is so real

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I am not happy & nothing seems to make me so. I wonder what kind of creature I will eventually become?"

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I'd read one of her biographies first - it was an interesting read about a fascinating woman, but not a great introduction to her achievements. Very well researched and clearly written, it was worth reading for sure.

[April Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all diaries, this wasn't meant to be read by anyone other than its author, so it is not written to entertain, but it also is invaluable for insights about who this famous reformer was, before she was famous.