W.E.B. Du Bois. Du Bois (1868-1963) is widely regarded as the most important African American intellectual for his pioneering thought and writing on the study of race. His most famous work, The Souls of Black Folk, is a classic of twentieth century literature. However, the significance of his overall contribution to philosophy has largely gone unexamined. In this clear and engaging book Chike Jeffers introduces and examines the full range of Du Bois' thought. After a helpful overview of his life and work chapters are devoted to the following topics:

• Du Bois's early writings, which introduce 'double consciousness', one of his most important ideas, and the question of what races are in his 'The Conservation of Races' and 'The Study of the Negro Problem'
• Political ideas in The Souls of Black Folk, especially those of racial difference, separatism and his famous theory of the 'Talented Tenth'
• The role of the idea of culture in The Souls of Black Folk
• Religiosity and Christianity in Darkwater and the emphasis Du Bois places on egalitarianism and socialism
• Du Bois anti-Eurocentric cosmopolitanism and his notion of 'black gifts', including his controversial essay 'Criteria of Negro Art'
• Du Bois' later politics in the 1930s, particularly his views on segregation and the relevance to philosophy of his Black Reconstruction in America
• Du Bois and the metaphysics of race

Concluding with a chapter on the legacy and influence of his work and ideas Du Bois is an outstanding introduction to this important thinker. Including chapter summaries and annotated further reading as well as a glossary it is essential reading for those studying ethics and political philosophy and the philosophy of race, as well as related subjects such as race and ethnic studies and African-American studies.