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Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America
A path-breaking work of biography about the collision of two American giants, Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson, whose lives would be forever altered by Robinson’s 1949 appearance before the notorious House Un-American Activities Committee—from one of the best sports and culture writers working today.
Kings and Pawns is the untold story of sports, fame, and politics through the lens of two transformative events at the dawn of Cold War America. The first occurred July 18, 1949, on a warm summer morning in Washington, D.C., when a reluctant Jackie Robinson, the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball star who integrated the game and at the time was the most famous Black man in America, testified at the behest of the House Committee on Un-American Activities to discredit Paul Robeson, the legendary athlete, baritone, and actor—himself once the most famous Black man in America. Robinson’s testimony would effectively end Robeson’s once iconic stage and screen career.
The second occurred June 12, 1956, in the midst of the final, demagogic roar of McCarthyism when a battered Robeson stood before that same committee after nearly a decade of government and public persecution. These two moments, seven years apart and in front of the most notorious government body in American history, would epitomize the Black American dilemma of straddling the impulses of patriotism and citizenship, protest and revolution. Robinson and Robeson represent the two poles of a people pitted against itself on the cusp of a nascent civil rights movement—with one man testifying in conflicted service to and the other in ferocious critique of—a country that would ultimately and decisively wound both.
In a time of larger political division, where Black athletes and entertainers are expected to take political positions (and are often silenced for doing so), the long-ago collision of these two titans reverberates today within and beyond Black America. From the revival of government “loyalty oaths,” questioning the patriotism of fellow citizens, and the return of Cold War-era rhetoric of “the enemy within” levied against fellow citizens, Kings and Pawns is a story that feels hauntingly present. What is past remains prologue.
Kings and Pawns is the untold story of sports, fame, and politics through the lens of two transformative events at the dawn of Cold War America. The first occurred July 18, 1949, on a warm summer morning in Washington, D.C., when a reluctant Jackie Robinson, the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball star who integrated the game and at the time was the most famous Black man in America, testified at the behest of the House Committee on Un-American Activities to discredit Paul Robeson, the legendary athlete, baritone, and actor—himself once the most famous Black man in America. Robinson’s testimony would effectively end Robeson’s once iconic stage and screen career.
The second occurred June 12, 1956, in the midst of the final, demagogic roar of McCarthyism when a battered Robeson stood before that same committee after nearly a decade of government and public persecution. These two moments, seven years apart and in front of the most notorious government body in American history, would epitomize the Black American dilemma of straddling the impulses of patriotism and citizenship, protest and revolution. Robinson and Robeson represent the two poles of a people pitted against itself on the cusp of a nascent civil rights movement—with one man testifying in conflicted service to and the other in ferocious critique of—a country that would ultimately and decisively wound both.
In a time of larger political division, where Black athletes and entertainers are expected to take political positions (and are often silenced for doing so), the long-ago collision of these two titans reverberates today within and beyond Black America. From the revival of government “loyalty oaths,” questioning the patriotism of fellow citizens, and the return of Cold War-era rhetoric of “the enemy within” levied against fellow citizens, Kings and Pawns is a story that feels hauntingly present. What is past remains prologue.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 25, 2026
"The Cold War resembled a chess match, an ever-changing cast of kings and pawns. The United States and Soviet Union fought for control of the chessboard, which was to say, the world. [Jackie] Robinson, [Paul] Robeson, and [NAACP founder WEB] Du Bois had been kings, crowned by the black community who idolized them, but [were they also] the pawns?" -- on page 183
Bryant's Kings and Pawns is a book that began with a strong start, became a bit muddled in stretches of the middle, but then mostly recovered by the conclusion. Focusing on baseball trailblazer Jackie Robinson and the renaissance man Paul Robeson - a college football superstar / Ivy League law degree / respected theatre & opera performer - during America's second 'Red Scare' drama circa 1949, learning (or learning more, because I'm fascinated by Robinson's life / experiences, and will read any book about him) about these two accomplished men and the events in the nation at that time made for an involving narrative. However, as another reviewer noted in an assessment which I happen to agree with, too often the author seemed to be overly fond of the socialist and communist ideologies while being equally anti-capitalist / -conservative. Of course he's allowed his opinions (as we all are), but to some it will come across as divisive, graceless or too scolding in tone at times.
Bryant's Kings and Pawns is a book that began with a strong start, became a bit muddled in stretches of the middle, but then mostly recovered by the conclusion. Focusing on baseball trailblazer Jackie Robinson and the renaissance man Paul Robeson - a college football superstar / Ivy League law degree / respected theatre & opera performer - during America's second 'Red Scare' drama circa 1949, learning (or learning more, because I'm fascinated by Robinson's life / experiences, and will read any book about him) about these two accomplished men and the events in the nation at that time made for an involving narrative. However, as another reviewer noted in an assessment which I happen to agree with, too often the author seemed to be overly fond of the socialist and communist ideologies while being equally anti-capitalist / -conservative. Of course he's allowed his opinions (as we all are), but to some it will come across as divisive, graceless or too scolding in tone at times.
February 2, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this book. The book details how Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson were used as pawns by the U.S. government and media during the Red Scare to represent contrasting sides of Black political thought. The central event is Robinson’s reluctant testimony before the HUAC, where he was pressured to disavow Paul Robeson, a legendary singer and activist, which contributed to destroying Robeson’s reputation. A great history lesson. Highly recommend.
October 19, 2025
Howard Bryant, frequently recognized as one who masters in the exploration of race and sports, or more accurately race in sports, has brought his best stuff to this project and he delivered a gem. Over 13 chapters, this comprehensive and meticulously researched investigation delves into the intersection between Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson. While Jackie Robinson is undoubtedly the more widely recognized name, this recognition is largely due to Paul Robeson’s exclusion from history due to being blackballed.
“Kings and Pawns” makes significant strides in rectifying this injustice. One of Jackie Robinson’s greatest faux pas was his inability to avoid being exploited. In Kings and Pawns we get the complete in-depth story of Jackie testifying before the HUAC and although his testimony was certainly a stab to Paul Robeson, what got left out of the popular retelling was Jackie Robinson’s comments on the US anti-Black racism issue. However, what you have here is the accurate retelling, popular sentiment be damned! The behind the scenes goings-ons are important, because it provides the reader with a more flushed out foundation.
That allows readers to access a broader, diverse, and perhaps more compassionate perspective, perhaps avoiding the Jackie Robinson trope of him consistently being on the wrong side of history (Paul Robeson and Muhammad Ali).
If Mr. Howard Bryant had simply focused on Paul Robeson and amplified his greatness through biography and history, that would have been sufficient.
Alternatively, if Mr. Bryant had just examined Jackie Robinson’s remarkable story in the context of baseball and his place in history, that would have been equally valuable. But to combine both and add enough biographical elements of both men, he has swung for the fences and hit a HOME RUN! In a word, this book is excellent! Make room on your shelf, book arrives Jan. 20, 2026. Great big shoutout to Mariner Books and the author for an ARC!
“Kings and Pawns” makes significant strides in rectifying this injustice. One of Jackie Robinson’s greatest faux pas was his inability to avoid being exploited. In Kings and Pawns we get the complete in-depth story of Jackie testifying before the HUAC and although his testimony was certainly a stab to Paul Robeson, what got left out of the popular retelling was Jackie Robinson’s comments on the US anti-Black racism issue. However, what you have here is the accurate retelling, popular sentiment be damned! The behind the scenes goings-ons are important, because it provides the reader with a more flushed out foundation.
That allows readers to access a broader, diverse, and perhaps more compassionate perspective, perhaps avoiding the Jackie Robinson trope of him consistently being on the wrong side of history (Paul Robeson and Muhammad Ali).
If Mr. Howard Bryant had simply focused on Paul Robeson and amplified his greatness through biography and history, that would have been sufficient.
Alternatively, if Mr. Bryant had just examined Jackie Robinson’s remarkable story in the context of baseball and his place in history, that would have been equally valuable. But to combine both and add enough biographical elements of both men, he has swung for the fences and hit a HOME RUN! In a word, this book is excellent! Make room on your shelf, book arrives Jan. 20, 2026. Great big shoutout to Mariner Books and the author for an ARC!
March 12, 2026
My parents were Paul Robeson fans which led me to read this book. Excellent read. Highly recommend
February 23, 2026
*Kings and Pawns* delivers a compelling look at Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson and captures the real tensions Black trailblazers faced in Cold War America. I appreciated the historical detail and the exploration of the personal tradeoffs required to succeed in a flawed but dynamic country. That said, the author’s persistent anti-American lens — often more sympathetic to socialist ideals than to capitalism and democracy — felt heavy-handed and may leave readers weighing the history against the commentary.
January 19, 2026
This book should be a requirement for high school US History and definitely in all college: history, humanity and social sciences courses. Arthur Howard Bryant, so eloquently gives us the lies of two Giants: Paul Robeson and Jackie Robinson.
It is an up close and personal look at how their lives were shaped by the Cold War and the tense, destructive intersect between them and the House Un-American Activities Committee. Robeson- “King “, took his stand and did not budge. He lost career, friends, and accolades because of his “communist”views. But given the circumstances in the United States at that time, particularly the south, the USSR did look good in the beginning for Black Americans. Robinson, initially seen as a “pawn “, was uncertain, unaware, and he unknowingly allowed himself to be used against Robeson and portray the US as “for equality “.
As the truths roll on, we see a widened and in-depth look at the government’s shortcomings and pitfalls. How it basically did what it wanted, to whom it wanted. The government’s view “integration is communism “; it remained a hard no on all attempts to desegregate up until the 1960s.
The life of Robeson, the first Black Othello, destroyed. Robinson who we know now as the second Black major leaguer in baseball, slowly but surely goes from pawn to King. His life’s achievement almost snuffed out if it weren’t for his wife, Rachel, and his profound accomplishments in baseball. Bryant brings these pieces together, like a strategic game of chess. History, retold through Kings and Pawns.
Thank you Mariner Books for the Advanced Reader Copy.
It is an up close and personal look at how their lives were shaped by the Cold War and the tense, destructive intersect between them and the House Un-American Activities Committee. Robeson- “King “, took his stand and did not budge. He lost career, friends, and accolades because of his “communist”views. But given the circumstances in the United States at that time, particularly the south, the USSR did look good in the beginning for Black Americans. Robinson, initially seen as a “pawn “, was uncertain, unaware, and he unknowingly allowed himself to be used against Robeson and portray the US as “for equality “.
As the truths roll on, we see a widened and in-depth look at the government’s shortcomings and pitfalls. How it basically did what it wanted, to whom it wanted. The government’s view “integration is communism “; it remained a hard no on all attempts to desegregate up until the 1960s.
The life of Robeson, the first Black Othello, destroyed. Robinson who we know now as the second Black major leaguer in baseball, slowly but surely goes from pawn to King. His life’s achievement almost snuffed out if it weren’t for his wife, Rachel, and his profound accomplishments in baseball. Bryant brings these pieces together, like a strategic game of chess. History, retold through Kings and Pawns.
Thank you Mariner Books for the Advanced Reader Copy.
January 27, 2026
I learned so much from this book. I grew up listening to the songs of Paul Robeson and knowing about Jackie Robinson as a Dodgers fan. Yet this book brings a new perspective on both of these men and their history in the civil rights movements and baseball race issues through the author’s writing and deep research. What a time in history and I imagine what Robeson’s life and contribution might have been without the persecution by the government. I think in general we know more about Robinson’s struggles and contributions but we don’t hear about Robinson’s involvement in Robeson’s persecution and the Robeson’s many gifts were didn’t get to enjoy to due blacklisting. I imagine this pitting against one another was common as well. Such a sad and difficult time in history that gets repeated again and again.
October 4, 2025
Howard Bryant’s Kings and Pawns is a powerful and necessary read. He takes Jackie Robinson’s story beyond the myths we’ve been told and shows the weight he carried on and off the field. What hit me most was how he brings Paul Robeson back into the light. Robeson was one of the greatest athletes and entertainers of his time, yet his politics cost him everything. Bryant shows how both men shaped the fight for equality in different ways.
I also appreciated learning about Moses Fleetwood Walker, the true first Black player in the majors, which added even more depth. This book reframes history we thought we knew and reminds us that Bryant is one of the best writers on the intersection of race, sports, and politics.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 out 5)
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC.
February 24, 2026
Howard Bryant has a great talent for writing about sports when it intersects with civil rights or racial justice issues. This book that focuses on Jackie Robinson and his criticism of singer Paul Robeson before the committees in Congress focuses on anti-communism issues in the 1950’s is one where Bryant’s research and talent shines through. I didn’t think it was really much of a sports book -mothered is some talk of Robinson’s accomplishments on the field and his actions while integrating Major League Baseball. However, the focus is on the politics of the time and also has more about Robeson than Robinson. A very good book for those who are interested in the politics of the time, including racial justice.
I wish to thank Mariner Books for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
I wish to thank Mariner Books for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
February 27, 2026
Another great work of history by Howard Bryant.
Robeson and Robinson's stories intersect in a manner that remains extremely relevant to the social, political, and economic injustices which are continually perpetrated in the United States. Readers are really challenged to question what the value of patriotism and what the American ideals of rugged individualism, unfettered capitalism, and "accountability" truly are—when they are so often used to maintain inhumane structures of exploitation to the benefit of right-wing authoritarians.
This book serves as a powerful reminder of the surveillance state presiding over the 'freest nation in the world,' highlighting the widespread political mission to embed fundamentalism within our government today. It is clear that the legacies of those who spoke truth to power are often sanitized and repurposed into pro-American narratives. These narratives selectively celebrate their courage while simultaneously diluting radical ideologies to create the illusion that 'racism was solved' or that expecting more or resisting in the 'incorrect way' is counterproductive. Such re-contextualization not only conceals persistent injustices but also underscores the pressing need for broader adoption and mobilization of radical movements, emphasizing that their missions are as crucial as ever.
I look forward to Howard Bryant's next book and wholeheartedly recommend this one to anyone committed to exploring the intersection of Black History, sports, and American politics. Furthermore, this book has sparked my curiosity about other trailblazers, such as Roberto Clemente—especially in light of recent events concerning Puerto Rico as they navigate their relationship with a government that continues to undermine their existence.
Robeson and Robinson's stories intersect in a manner that remains extremely relevant to the social, political, and economic injustices which are continually perpetrated in the United States. Readers are really challenged to question what the value of patriotism and what the American ideals of rugged individualism, unfettered capitalism, and "accountability" truly are—when they are so often used to maintain inhumane structures of exploitation to the benefit of right-wing authoritarians.
This book serves as a powerful reminder of the surveillance state presiding over the 'freest nation in the world,' highlighting the widespread political mission to embed fundamentalism within our government today. It is clear that the legacies of those who spoke truth to power are often sanitized and repurposed into pro-American narratives. These narratives selectively celebrate their courage while simultaneously diluting radical ideologies to create the illusion that 'racism was solved' or that expecting more or resisting in the 'incorrect way' is counterproductive. Such re-contextualization not only conceals persistent injustices but also underscores the pressing need for broader adoption and mobilization of radical movements, emphasizing that their missions are as crucial as ever.
I look forward to Howard Bryant's next book and wholeheartedly recommend this one to anyone committed to exploring the intersection of Black History, sports, and American politics. Furthermore, this book has sparked my curiosity about other trailblazers, such as Roberto Clemente—especially in light of recent events concerning Puerto Rico as they navigate their relationship with a government that continues to undermine their existence.
February 16, 2026
Despite its focus on two Black athletes, at its core this is not a sports book. Instead, it is a compelling account of political courage during one of the most repressive eras in modern American life—one that unfortunately has resurfaced in modern times. Bryant places Paul Robeson and Jackie Robinson squarely within the crucible of the Cold War hysteria while revealing the stakes each man faced as Blacks navigating patriotism, protest, racism, and survival in America.
Both men were used—and targeted—by a nation eager to promote democracy abroad while suppressing equality at home. Robeson’s uncompromising internationalism and Robinson’s more cautious but still courageous activism in baseball emerge as opposites. Yet they shared a common goal of achieving equality for their people. In his book, Bryant captures the prices each man paid for speaking out when civil rights and anti-communist paranoia collided. In a time when American democracy faces new existential threats, Bryant provides important lessons in citizenship and racial justice through the historical lens of two remarkably gifted Black men.
Both men were used—and targeted—by a nation eager to promote democracy abroad while suppressing equality at home. Robeson’s uncompromising internationalism and Robinson’s more cautious but still courageous activism in baseball emerge as opposites. Yet they shared a common goal of achieving equality for their people. In his book, Bryant captures the prices each man paid for speaking out when civil rights and anti-communist paranoia collided. In a time when American democracy faces new existential threats, Bryant provides important lessons in citizenship and racial justice through the historical lens of two remarkably gifted Black men.
February 23, 2026
I finally got a chance to learn more about Paul Robeson, whose existence has intrigued me for years. And Jackie Robinson was interesting as well. They both led star-crossed lives, more so Paul Robeson. Good book.
January 22, 2026
Tragic in every way.
February 14, 2026
What. A. Book. I've read biographies about both of these men, but they were nothing compared to this book. I learned so much. This book also confirmed what I've always felt about Branch Rickey in my guts--it was NOT benevolence that led him to integrate baseball-- so I thank Mr. Bryant for that too. (And, I will NEVER look at THE JACKIE ROBNSON STORY (1950) the same way again either.) And you don't need to be a sports fan to enjoy this book. It should be required reading for everyone. So why not pick up a copy for yourself? You'll be better for it.
February 17, 2026
The is another one of those Howard Bryant books that you can't put down.
September 23, 2025
“Kings and Pawns,” by Howard Bryant, is a brilliant, well-researched book that brings to life anew Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson, two great athletes and civil rights pioneers who, in the 1940s and 1950s, were essentially and unwillingly pitted against each other by bigots with no actual interest in civil rights.
Paul Robeson has, by and large, been lost to history but, in his time, was one of the greatest college football players of all time, then a graduate of Columbia Law School, and then a world-renowned actor and singer. However, his left-leaning politics led to the end of his career and his ostracism from both the entertainment industry and the civil rights movement.
Everyone knows the story of Jackie Robinson - the first Black player in the MLB and has heard the stories of how Branch Rickey, a pious Christian, took great risk to bring Robinson to MLB, and how Robinson has been lionized as a civil rights pioneer and how, by his on-field play and off-field stoicism, opened the door for others.
However, Bryant does a masterful job of showing the truth behind the scenes. He shows how Robeson was ostracized by the NAACP and a mainstream civil rights movement that was afraid of being tarred as Communist at a time when it was fighting for voting and other basic rights. I had heard of the Peekskill concerts in 1949, where left-leaning concertgoers were attacked by mobs and then basically blamed for it, but Bryant brings to life what was going on behind the scenes. I had also never heard of how Robeson challenged HUAC, by bringing up slavery and the mistreatment of Blacks in the US. In that testimony, you see a through line from Robeson’s description of not being treated as a “colored man” in Russia to Muhammad Ali’s famous speech about the Vietcong when he refused induction into the army (“the Vietcong never called me n*****.” )
I had heard vaguely of how Robinson had testified to Congress, but had no idea that it was HUAC, that he was brought there to essentially condemn Robeson but how he used it primarily to bring to light the mistreatment of Blacks. Bryant also does a great job of severely damaging the myth of Branch Rickey as pious, courageous and concerned.
Ultimately, Bryant shows how two lions of civil rights both ended up embittered and on the outside of the movement, and he restores the fullness of two men who had become 2-D representations.
As an aside, he also gave me new understanding of Moses Fleetwood Walker, the first Black player in the precursor to the MLB.
Bryant may be the best writer on the intersection of sports and race working today, from “Shut Out” to “Full Dissidence” to “Kings and Pawns.”
This honest review was given in exchange for an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and Harper Collins.
Paul Robeson has, by and large, been lost to history but, in his time, was one of the greatest college football players of all time, then a graduate of Columbia Law School, and then a world-renowned actor and singer. However, his left-leaning politics led to the end of his career and his ostracism from both the entertainment industry and the civil rights movement.
Everyone knows the story of Jackie Robinson - the first Black player in the MLB and has heard the stories of how Branch Rickey, a pious Christian, took great risk to bring Robinson to MLB, and how Robinson has been lionized as a civil rights pioneer and how, by his on-field play and off-field stoicism, opened the door for others.
However, Bryant does a masterful job of showing the truth behind the scenes. He shows how Robeson was ostracized by the NAACP and a mainstream civil rights movement that was afraid of being tarred as Communist at a time when it was fighting for voting and other basic rights. I had heard of the Peekskill concerts in 1949, where left-leaning concertgoers were attacked by mobs and then basically blamed for it, but Bryant brings to life what was going on behind the scenes. I had also never heard of how Robeson challenged HUAC, by bringing up slavery and the mistreatment of Blacks in the US. In that testimony, you see a through line from Robeson’s description of not being treated as a “colored man” in Russia to Muhammad Ali’s famous speech about the Vietcong when he refused induction into the army (“the Vietcong never called me n*****.” )
I had heard vaguely of how Robinson had testified to Congress, but had no idea that it was HUAC, that he was brought there to essentially condemn Robeson but how he used it primarily to bring to light the mistreatment of Blacks. Bryant also does a great job of severely damaging the myth of Branch Rickey as pious, courageous and concerned.
Ultimately, Bryant shows how two lions of civil rights both ended up embittered and on the outside of the movement, and he restores the fullness of two men who had become 2-D representations.
As an aside, he also gave me new understanding of Moses Fleetwood Walker, the first Black player in the precursor to the MLB.
Bryant may be the best writer on the intersection of sports and race working today, from “Shut Out” to “Full Dissidence” to “Kings and Pawns.”
This honest review was given in exchange for an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and Harper Collins.
February 14, 2026
An interesting look at a time in the US that people think they know about, but there is always more to the story, and such is the case here [I was a bit flabbergasted at just how much I DIDN'T know about this time-frame and now want to read more about this horrible time in history - we cannot hold back what we don't know or understand ].
Combining the times and lives of both Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson [I will admit here that the closeness in their names often caused me some confusion of just who was being written about at certain times ] and their appearances before the [ UNCONSTITUTIONAL ] House Un-American Activities Committee, this book shows just how easy it was to break down people, malign them mercilessly [and in the case of Paul Robeson, strive to drive him into obscurity ], and ultimately pit both men against each other and other Black americans.
Well-written and researched, this is a really good [as well as deeply disturbing ] read and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good history, sports or race-related book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Howard Bryant, and Mariner Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Combining the times and lives of both Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson [I will admit here that the closeness in their names often caused me some confusion of just who was being written about at certain times ] and their appearances before the [ UNCONSTITUTIONAL ] House Un-American Activities Committee, this book shows just how easy it was to break down people, malign them mercilessly [and in the case of Paul Robeson, strive to drive him into obscurity ], and ultimately pit both men against each other and other Black americans.
Well-written and researched, this is a really good [as well as deeply disturbing ] read and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good history, sports or race-related book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Howard Bryant, and Mariner Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2026
Happy publication day to this latest volume from Howard Bryant! I had previously read and loved Bryant’s biography of Rickey Henderson, and while this read a little different than a traditional biography, it really shed light on a relatively unknown piece of Black history. I am a big baseball fan and felt familiar with Jackie Robinson’s story and I also knew something about Paul Robeson, having visited the Paul Robeson House in Philadelphia many years back. However, I didn’t know how their stories intertwined in the way that Bryant explicates and I didn’t realize Robeson dealt with so many challenges being labeled as a Communist. I think Bryant told this story without pitting Robinson and Robeson against each other, as many did at the time, and I left the book feeling sympathetic for both of them. This book gives a new perspective on two very influential and impactful Americans and I would definitely recommend it!
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2026
I think if I didn't dislike the audio narrator so much, this could've been 5 stars... interesting and in-depth chronicle of these two great Black figures and how they crossed (or didn't cross) paths in a time in the USA not unlike our current political climate.
March 10, 2026
Outstanding
Paul Robeson is a man who ever Black student in this nation’s schools should know and elevate because of his sacrifices
Paul Robeson is a man who ever Black student in this nation’s schools should know and elevate because of his sacrifices
February 17, 2026
Thought-provoking look at two men who were, by no measure, ideological soulmates but who both had a profound impact on American society.
March 3, 2026
An essential American story.
September 15, 2025
I have read a number of books about Jackie Robinson but Howard Bryant's book takes Mr. Robinson's life and influence in a direction I have not read and rarely considered. Jackie's famous appearance before the House UnAmerican Committee (HUAC) has frequently been either a footnote in a larger biography or framed almost as good (Jackie) vs bad (Paul Robeson). Using recently discovered or released information as well as contemporaneous accounts Mr. Bryant looks at this interaction and life of both men before and after this interaction. Mr. Bryant also looks at this "dispute" in the larger context of American history and America's treatment of its black citizens. I was almost immediately grabbed when Mr. Bryant includes Paul Robeson's testimony to MLB leadership Commissioner Landis and the MLB team owners in the early 1940's about baseball integration. This is a meeting I had never heard of yet Mr. Bryant has the primary source records showing how Paul Robeson at the time maybe the most famous Black man in the world sought MLB integration and contributed to the now infamous show tryout the Red Sox gave to Jackie Robinson and Sam Jethroe. There is so much in this book that is either new or compiled in a new way that I would almost spoil it by writing too much. In short, if you are a baseball fan, Jackie Robinson fan, or history fan this book is an essential read. Even if you are none of these you may enjoy it as so much of what Mr. Bryant's details happened in the late 40's to 1960's is relevant today's political climate. Wonderful read. Thanks Net Gallery for the advance copy.
February 17, 2026
This book was very interesting and explored a time in history that I think isn't as closely examined as the wars that bookend it. I knew the basics of who Jackie Robinson is, but this book offered much more detail and perspective into his life and what he faced as a baseball player. And I learned for the first time about Paul Robeson, who indeed has been erased enough from history to not have made it into any lessons I learned in school. In a time where things like loyalty pledges and politically motivated investigations are rearing their ugly head again, this book comes at an interesting time.
February 19, 2026
This is a devastating book.
February 12, 2026
I only knew the basics about Jackie Robinson and nothing about Paul Robeson going into this one. It not only lays out the comparison between the two men but also the ways in which class and racial struggle are inextricably linked. Howard Bryant is one of the best Sports Writers of his generation. A must read for just about anyone who cares about America and Baseball.
February 2, 2026
An excellent history, linking two extraordinary people, illustrating great political changes… especially regarding race and the law.
January 31, 2026
Howard is amazing at contextualizing the moments contained within this book.
January 26, 2026
Had no idea how much they both accomplished. That feels very purposeful now with this information.
March 3, 2026
4.5 stars, but I'm willing to round up as my opinion of the book kept elevating the longer it went on.
This is a look at race, politics, economics and culture through the lens of two figures who never actually met in real life, but had a key confrontation that was transitional to both.
In the late 1940s, Robeson had a legitimate case as the most prominent black man in America. He was a star athlete turned star singer and star actor while also being very politically outspoken. For many, too outspoken, and more important too damn far on the left. Robeson supported communism, largely an outgrowth of the systematic economic and racial repression he saw in life all around him. In the 1940s, this is not a sign things are going to end well for a public figure like that.
Robeson was a subject of HUAC investigations and Jackie Robinson, the new contender for most prominent black man in America, testified before the committee to repudiate Robeson's beliefs. This testimony wasn't the only reason Robeson's stature was in decline, but it was a symbolic moment of his decline. (In another symbol, a few years earlier baseball leadership invited Robeson to meet with owners and leaders and Commissioner Landis about getting black men in MLB).
Look, I'm doing too much recapping of the book. Much of the back half of the book covers the transition of Jackie Robinson. He was never a communist, but he experienced a gradual path of disillusionsment that by the end of his life left him feeling similar thoughts on the nation that Robeson expressed in the late 1940s. (In fact, Robinson was about the same age when he died as Robeson was during Robinson's testimony). Jackie's window notes at the end that the only things her husband ever regretted were supporting Nixon and testifying against Robeson. Robinson felt he was politically naive, and feeling used.
Branch Rickey does not come off very well here. He's the pious anti-New Dealer who supports Red Scare crap, including a subscription to Counterattack, a leading magazine of the movement. (It didn't just go after communists, but anyone too New Deal-ish). Bryant also points out how Rickey, hailed as the game's great integrator, was in no hurry to integrate the Pirates while there, keeping the tam all-white for several seasons after he took over.
Bryant can be a bit strident sometimes. He bends off backwards a little too much when dealing with some of the implications of his politics. Much of the early going of the book has too many long excerpts from recorded minutes from meetings -- that doesn't lead to a good flow.
But it is a very good book. The comparing and contrasting views of Robeson and Robinson imrpove as the book goes on. This really is well done.
This is a look at race, politics, economics and culture through the lens of two figures who never actually met in real life, but had a key confrontation that was transitional to both.
In the late 1940s, Robeson had a legitimate case as the most prominent black man in America. He was a star athlete turned star singer and star actor while also being very politically outspoken. For many, too outspoken, and more important too damn far on the left. Robeson supported communism, largely an outgrowth of the systematic economic and racial repression he saw in life all around him. In the 1940s, this is not a sign things are going to end well for a public figure like that.
Robeson was a subject of HUAC investigations and Jackie Robinson, the new contender for most prominent black man in America, testified before the committee to repudiate Robeson's beliefs. This testimony wasn't the only reason Robeson's stature was in decline, but it was a symbolic moment of his decline. (In another symbol, a few years earlier baseball leadership invited Robeson to meet with owners and leaders and Commissioner Landis about getting black men in MLB).
Look, I'm doing too much recapping of the book. Much of the back half of the book covers the transition of Jackie Robinson. He was never a communist, but he experienced a gradual path of disillusionsment that by the end of his life left him feeling similar thoughts on the nation that Robeson expressed in the late 1940s. (In fact, Robinson was about the same age when he died as Robeson was during Robinson's testimony). Jackie's window notes at the end that the only things her husband ever regretted were supporting Nixon and testifying against Robeson. Robinson felt he was politically naive, and feeling used.
Branch Rickey does not come off very well here. He's the pious anti-New Dealer who supports Red Scare crap, including a subscription to Counterattack, a leading magazine of the movement. (It didn't just go after communists, but anyone too New Deal-ish). Bryant also points out how Rickey, hailed as the game's great integrator, was in no hurry to integrate the Pirates while there, keeping the tam all-white for several seasons after he took over.
Bryant can be a bit strident sometimes. He bends off backwards a little too much when dealing with some of the implications of his politics. Much of the early going of the book has too many long excerpts from recorded minutes from meetings -- that doesn't lead to a good flow.
But it is a very good book. The comparing and contrasting views of Robeson and Robinson imrpove as the book goes on. This really is well done.
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