Southern Horrors and Other Writings: The Anti-Lynching Campaign of Ida B. Wells, 1892-1900

by Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Jacqueline Jones Royster (Editor)

Ida B. Wells was an African-American woman who achieved national and international fame as a journalist, public speaker, and community activist. This volume collects three pamphlets that constitute her major works during the anti-lynching Southern Lynch Law in All Its Phases , A Red Record , and Mob Rule in New Orleans .

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Race, Essays, African American, Politics, Biography

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1996

About the author

Ida Bell Wells-Barnett (1862–1931) was an African-American journalist, newspaper editor, suffragist, sociologist and, with her husband, newspaper owner Ferdinand L. Barnett, an early leader in the civil rights movement. She documented lynching in the United States, showing how it was often a way to control or punish blacks who competed with whites, often under the guise of rape charges. She was active in women's rights and the women's suffrage movement, establishing several notable women's organizations. Wells was a skilled and persuasive rhetorician, and traveled internationally on lecture tours.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Raul · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading these accounts from late 19th and early 20th century U.S.A. of lynching by mostly white men with complicity and at times instigation and encouragement from white women, against black men, women and children, I am disgusted and discouraged with humanity. Although I had heard the song Strange Fruit and even read the poem and was somewhat aware of this history, nothing prepared me for the gruesomeness and inhumanity I read in these pages.

Ida B. Wells was an incredible activist and journalist and what a debt we owe her for recording with fact and reason these bloody and horrid accounts. Any gaslighting, needless arguments about the past being the past will result with an immediate block.

[Izetta Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many people don't know about the dynamism of Ida B. Wells who fought tirelessly to ensure that anti-lynching laws were passed. And Ida was not afraid to get a little gangsta if she needed to. When historians speak of the modern Civil Rights era in the U.S. they primarily speak of the late '50s and '60s; Ida B. Wells walks in the tradition of early crusaders for equal rights, establishing many of the techniques that were used in the modern Civil Rights Movement, with even (if you can imagine) less protection. On many an occassion she had to leave for safety quickly, and lost many friends, some of them quite close.

Not only was Wells a fighter, she was a strategician - simply brillant. She is one of the first thinkers to clearly think lynching with a form of sexual violence and the broader connection to the sexual violence, degradation, and exploitativeness of slavery and the overall treatment of Black people (and all people of color) in the U.S.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saint Augustine wrote: “Hope has two beautiful daughters. Their names are anger and courage: anger at the way things are, and courage to see that they do not remain the way they are.” Ida B. Wells is a American incarnation of hope, because she was indignant that Americans could preach one thing and do the exact opposite, namely, pride itself on being “the land of the free and home of the brave” while lynching thousands of its own citizens, overwhelmingly, blacks in the South. But she also had the courage to write, speak out, raise her voice, and trouble the consciences of her fellow citizens at such an on-going crime against humanity, such “Southern horrors.”

[Marshall Hess · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly gripping book. Miss Ida Wells was a brilliant writer, a scrupulous journalist, and a force to be reckoned with. The stories and historical situation of lynching are so much worse than I have hardly ever been told. It reminds me yet again that, in spite of all the cultural weariness which some attribute to constant talking about past racial crimes, we still have such a shallow grasp of the horrible history that haunts our country. I do not know how I will introduce some of this content to students in an age appropriate manner, but I really want to make sure that any students to whom I teach American history do not get through my class without grappling with what Ida B. Wells exposed and campaigned so powerfully against.

[Anu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absolutely blown away by how brave, intelligent, and persuasive Ida B. Wells was. Her anti-lynching pamphlets were bluntly truthful, logical, and fearless. The introduction by Jacqueline Royster was a must-read as well, giving context for Wells' editorials and explaining why her writings were (and ARE) so significant. For anyone who would like a clear look into the lives of Black people at the turn of the century, or learn about a woman and movement that has been swept aside, this collection of essays and pamphlets are for you. I wish Southern Horrors would be required reading for every US History class.

[Elyse Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was bittersweet. Having to process the evils of American history while realizing the extent of how these atrocities have been swept under the rug was both infuriating and heartbreaking. But getting to learn about the brave work Ida B. Wells did is the most inspiring experience ever. It’s so important that we put her on a pedestal as her activism and fearlessness are hallmarks in American history and should be treated with honor. The accounts in her book should be required in academia; it’s the reality of how our country was shaped and it’s critical in understanding how deeply racist our country is.

[Rachel]

Read for a course on c19 American political writings, this was very powerful and I recommend all to read at least some sections from it. If the date of it being written intimidates anyone, the language is incredibly easy to follow and should not deter anyone from reading this.

[Lillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horrors indeed!! The big question my mind is why Ida b Wells is not a household word like Rosa Parks. Wells was an amazing, investigative, writer and worked hard to reveal and examine the awful plight and oppression of her people thru documenting and writing about lynchings in the Reconstruction era. Her name and work should part everyone's knowledge base. This is a beyond depressing book to read.

[jewelthinks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very important information contained in this book. Ida B. Wells is the original #SayHerName. She documented the victims of lynching to give voice and to document how their humanity was stolen by racist, irrational beliefs and alleged reasons are maddening.

Reference book to have on hand... Not light reading material.

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tough historical documents - the first from 1892 is narrowly focused on bringing to light the regularity of mob violent murders without justice for reasons far from the claimed "honor of our white women". The second from 1895 expands this to a national (southern-dominated, by fact) review of the varieties of brutality and range of justifications or circumventions of justice given for these terrorizing deaths. The third from 1900 resonates most today, as with the others mostly commentary on newspaper reports, of one mob riot against random black individuals in New Orleans following the injury (and subsequent deaths) of police. Wells lays the presumptions and contortions to arrive at who is good and evil in these reports very bare, while blacks are killed for no reason and with no concern in the headlines of the days.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woweeee oh my goodness this was so heartbreaking and incredible. Ida B. Wells is an absolute queen and I can't believe that I haven't learned more about her until now. The name would've sounded familiar to me before I read this book, but I honestly couldn't tell you much about what she did. And she did so much! She absolutely changed the public perception of lynching through sass and, more importantly, FACTS. This was so hard to read but so important, and I wish that the brutal realities of lynching were more than a couple sentences in most history books.
The introduction by Jacqueline Jones Royster was also incredibly insightful and worth the read, although it drew so much from Wells' writing that at times later on the original texts felt repetitive. Either way, I think this little book is entirely worth thorough perusal. Ida B. Wells should be on every bill.

[jamie book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so some things I learned for fear that I won’t retain much of what I learned..

1. White women would often have affairs with black men, and when they got scared that people would see them together or if she got pregnant with a black baby, she’d then accuse the black man of a crime and the black man would get lynched.
2. Mobs overtook the jury (even if the jury was white) - quite often, even if it says that a black man harassing a white man is legal, a black man would still be lynched for such a thing.
3. White men, in particular, would exploit the domestic abuse of women and use it against black men and accuse them of it; funny how times have changed and it is now the average straight white make who would commit such acts but… this is the world we live in, I guess.
4. If a crime was committed, it was almost always blamed on a group of black people or a single black person, without any use of rational evidence or sense. If a white person said it happened, it happened.

[taki · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a necessary read for anyone. it really sheds light on how bad the american racist ideology was, and how ingrained it was for everyday society. absolutely haunting. imo make every kid taking some sort of american history class read this. oh my days bruh

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, powerful and deeply unsettling. Not enough white people are exposed to black history like this. Use this book to educate yourself, and be alarmed at the parallels in todays treatment of minority groups.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is unsurprising, yet still disappointing, the similarities to police shootings today.

The essay introduction was a bit of a slog but Ms Wells writes clearly and effectively.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immediately after the Reconstruction era in the United States, during a time when African Americans were expected to be subservient and accept their lot in society, Ida B. Wells led a campaign against the violence which was perpetrated against not just Black men but women and children as well.

This book contains three of her papers which were released as pamphlets and newspaper articles:

Southern Horrors: Lynch Law in All its Phases
A Red Record
Mob Rule in New Orleans

The documents record detailed in some cases very explicit acts of barbarism carried out against Black people. They also show Wells to be an accomplished investigator gathering the relevant information to support her claims.

One can only be impressed with this woman and the campaign she led between 1892 and 1900 in not just highlighting the problem but proposing a solution. She was active in condemning Lynch Law and mob violence against Black people and showing it for what it was; part of the process of disfranchising African Americans. By raising awareness not just in the United States but internationally, and through concerted attempts to organise communities there were significant reductions in these atrocities for a period of time.

This book is worthwhile reading, highlighting an agitator and civil/human rights campaigner who was herself at times under the shadow of the very violence she spoke out against.

[Carolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Assigned this for an African American history class; the first time I have done so. I assigned the introduction and "A Red Record." Many students in this class are not especially motivated to do the readings so I was not expecting a great discussion but I was happily surprised. Students talked about Wells' use of statistics and case studies as well as why she chose to provide difficult and often gruesome details. On their own, students also considered the broader context of turn of the century discourses of "civilization." Wow, I was impressed by their insight and thought.

Previously, I had only read excerpts from Wells' writing. As many of my students pointed out, A Red Record is not a pleasant read but it is certainly important in helping us to understand turn of the century race relations. In carefully crafted prose, Wells discusses the "supposed" causes of lynchings and argues that the reality was often quite different from the explanations provided by mainstream, white journalists. Gripping and horrifying. The introduction does a nice job of sketching out Wells' life and placing these writings in a broader context.

[Ivy Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Southern Horrors and Other Writings: The Anti-Lynching Campaign of Ida B. Wells, 1892-1900 by Jacqueline Jones Royster is an essential, yet deeply heartbreaking read. This book was required reading in college, this book opens a window into the terrifying realities of lynching in the American South and the lies used to justify it. Through the powerful writings of Ida B. Wells, Royster presents a poignant account of Wells’ anti-lynching campaign, revealing the horrific myths perpetuated about Black men and the violent consequences they faced.

This isn’t a book you breeze through—it’s one that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. The injustice and the sheer cruelty are tough to read, but Royster’s presentation of Wells’ courage and determination offers hope and a call to action. It's a necessary read to understand the depth of America’s history of racial violence and the tireless work of those who fought to expose the truth. If you’re ready for a book that challenges, informs, and moves you, Southern Horrors is a must.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first half really closely, then recently skimmed through the last half. I'll have to reread it more thoroughly at a later date, but Ida B. Wells was an amazing woman who really risked her life--literally, at some times--to uncover these stories that need telling. Lynching and the violence imposed upon African American citizens particularly during the century between the 13th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act is so disturbing. However, we need to confront our collective past if we ever hope to come together and truly be a "united" nation.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and a half.
Devastating. This tiny book took me a long time to read because of the real and very disturbing descriptions set forth by Wells in her crusades against lynching. An educated, self-employed black woman when neither black folks nor women had a fair voice or opportunity, Ida Wells was (unfortunately, but amazingly) decades ahead of her time. Her fiery testimony and brazen knack for calling out non-supporters distinguished her writing. Her use of accounts in the mainstream media to argue for the illegality and immorality of lynch mobs was something factual that Europeans and, eventually, Americans, finally, could not ignore. These primary and secondary sources help illuminate part of the writing career of an incredible woman who should be far more famous in American history than she is.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aside from mentions in other books I've read, this is my first real introduction to Ida B. Wells. This book includes an introduction from the editor which provided some useful background information and context for someone new to Wells. The bulk of the book is Wells' pamphlets "Southern Horrors: Lynch Law in All Its Phases" and "A Red Record." These pamphlets represent significant investigative journalism on lynching while it was happening. The book also included a few chapters from her autobiography mainly recounting her trip to England to create support for anti-lynching movements there. This is an important addition to my historical knowledge and understanding, and Wells' writing is engaging and informative.

[John Hively · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ida Wells campaigned about lynch laws of the old South. She used white owned newspaper accounts to help her case. What is remarkable about the book is her prescience about how African-Americans would need to hit the white folks dollars in order to bring about change, which, combined with legal action, helped to bring about change nearly 70 years later. She also noted change was occurring because whites rioting and lynching African-Americans were at times sending bond and stock prices down, and the rich white folks of the south who largely controlled the lynch mobs were getting hit in their wallets.

[Ch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This intense first hand account of one of America’s greatest shames reports the events of one horrifying weekend in East St. Louis, Illinois. The actions of whites against black people were a harbinger of Kristalnacht. It caused me to wonder whether Hitler had read about this massacre and had taken notes.

Every American should read this, but read it on an empty stomach. This will be the longest short book you will ever read. The journalistic talent and courage of the author is phenomenal.

READ THE BOOK.

[Jas Dosanjh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories contained in this book were horrific and heart-breaking in equal measure. The layout of the book could have been improved, I felt that the case studies jumped around and some of them were brief. But that was probably due to the fact that actual eye witness accounts and approx figures were hard to collaborate and collect and were not widely reported to conceal the true extent of lynching of black Afro-Americans.

[Kaitlyn (ktxx22) Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ida was that B! She really was out in The Jim Crow streets eating and leaving no crumbs! I’m telling you she absolutely eviscerated the south and their lynching ways. She’s like without proof you’re murdering people you’ve got nothing and no one. No evidence nothing. And the recanting of white women as well! This is anger inducing but definitely worth a read if you want to see journalism at its finest.

[Cynthia Mitchell-Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for a school paper, was insightful and descriptive of one of the shameful legacies of American history. I learned much about the woman that risked her life to gather this information. A good book to try to understand the atmosphere after the civil war. And how this practice is abhorrent, no matter who has a rope around the neck.

[Ethan Cornett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wells-Barnett lays out a tremendously concise and clear narrative of racial violence in late 19th-century America. I cannot believe I never encountered this text throughout my schooling. A MUST read for students of American history.

[Brett Bosley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical document is some very troubling reading, but Wells is a master at cutting through bullshit and bringing receipts. She's vicious, and it's glorious. I want Octavia Spencer to play her in a movie.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the title of this book proclaims its contents, Horrors, nothing can prepare one for the
Incredible barbarity of human beings.

I am devastated and sickened.

A must-read, but only if you prepare and protect your heart.

[Briana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reference book to have on hand, not an easy quick read.