James Baldwin: The Man and His Work

De: Rafael Walker, The Great Courses

Narrado por: Rafael Walker

Artist. Public intellectual. Political activist. James Baldwin was all of these and more. Raised in the slums of Depression-era Harlem in New York City, Baldwin would become an author and activist of international renown—one whose legacy has continued long beyond his death in 1987. Who was James Baldwin? How did he become the master of multiple literary genres and a champion for some of the era’s most notable political and social causes? And how is his influence still being felt today?

Explore these questions and more in the six lectures of James Baldwin: The Man and His Work, taught by Rafael Walker of Baruch College, City University of New York. As you explore Baldwin’s life, from his childhood to his international writing career to his work as a public voice for the marginalized all over the world, you will understand how he became one of the 20th century’s most influential Black writers and intellectuals. You’ll also examine many of his most famous works, including the novels Go Tell It on The Mountain and Giovanni’s Room, his powerful essays, and his short stories “Sonny’s Blues” and “Going to Meet the Man.” As you experience these complex and deeply personal pieces of writing, you’ll see how Baldwin’s life and work were inseparable, with his brilliant works drawing from his experiences both in America and abroad.

Near the end of his life, Baldwin’s influence seemed to be waning. But as you’ll see, the startling clarity and power of his words were never truly forgotten. Today his writings serve as a model for a new generation of authors, challenging readers to reflect on the injustices around them and inspiring activists in the Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ, and other social movements. With his legacy reignited for the 21st century, you now have the chance to discover why James Baldwin’s impact as both a writer and a vocal force for change is still profoundly relevant.

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I loved this class!

Professor Walker's lectures were so concise and insightful! He revealed to me perspectives I hadn't considered when I read ALL of Baldwin's works. Reading Baldwin, which led me to Richard Wright, Jean Toomer, Zora Neal Hurston, Langston Hughes, Ralph Ellison, Prof. Bell, Alice Walker, Nikki Geovani. and as many others as I could afford to buy, led me to focus my entire Undergraduate Bachelorette Degree, in Creative Writing and English with a Concentration in Poetry--achieved last year, after 25 years--ONLY on African American Authors. And being the leader of my University's project for last year's Black History Month's theme on lierature. Making our focus on lesser known authors (which were unknown by my groups',) like Hurston and others from the past.

Having just finished Sen. John Lewis's biography, "John Lewis: A Life" by David Greenberg, these lessons offered me further insight on Baldwin's views, who was instrumental in helping fund most of the battles Mr. Lewis either led or was involved in the planning of during The Civil Rights Movement if the 1960s.

While listening, I was compelled to research Professor Walker's career. I truly wish I had been able to have him as a mentor throughout my studies! Especially since my school did not offer the option of having a mentor.

I want to thank Professor Walker for offering this analysis on Audible! I will now search out any others he may have made!

Like sitting in a classroom

A concise lesson on the life and work of James Balwin, I'm left feeling like I was in a class (and it's been a long time since I've been in school). I've only ever heard his name in passing and don't remember reading any of his works, but this was a nice short insight into some of them and the reflection they had mirroring his life and that of being gay and black. I haven't really done a lot of non-fiction but, given the times we're in now, I think it's important to try and remember who we had to build the world we live in now.

Excellent!

I thought I knew a decent amount about Baldwin and his life, but I had barely scratched the surface. I learned so much from this Audible! I especially enjoyed hearing about how Baldwin interacted with his mentors and other contemporary writers. This inspired me to buy his novels and an essay collection.

Very insightful.

This was thoughtfully presented. It gave me many new insights and context about many of the Baldwin works I’ve already read. It has also inspired me to read ones I have not gotten to yet.