A History of the African-American People (Proposed) by Strom Thurmond, as Told to Percival Everett & James Kincaid

A Novel

By: Percival Everett, James Kincaid

Narrated by: James Fouhey

Veteran authors Everett and Kincaid present an uproarious send-up of one of America's most controversial American icons. 

Everett and Kincaid present a fictitious chronicle of South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond's desire to pen a history of African Americans—his and his aides' belief being that he has done as much, or more, than any American to shape that history. An epistolary novel, A History follows the letters of loose-cannon congressional office workers, insane interns at a large New York publishing house, and disturbed publishing executives, along with homicidal rival editors, kindly family friends, and an aspiring author named Septic. Strom Thurmond appears charming and open, mad and sure of his place in American history.

©2004 Percival Everett & James Kincaid (P)2004 Tantor Media

Critic reviews

"[A]n outrageously funny satire of race relations and racism, US history, contemporary sexual mores and behavior, academia, and the publishing industry . . . It could become a cult-classic . . . Highly recommended."—Library Journal

Weird, Topical, and Funny!

Wow! Exactly what I wanted... Exactly when I needed it. Great! Like "Dracula," (in more ways than simply being an epistolary) but also hysterical! This tale told mainly through letters should be placed alongside the best of the biting satires! A silly and wonderful send-up! All at once laugh-out-loud funny, strange, and thrilling. With plenty of twists and turns along the way. It also has (in my opinion) a pefect ending. At least, for a fan of Mel Brooks, "The Producers," and Monty Python's "Holy Grail." A we-gotta-get-the-heck-out-of-here moment for the ages!
None of that is to say that this title is not to be taken serously. It has several good points to make and important truths to tell and does both with precision and accuracy. They're easier to take while you're laughing, too.
Also, a quick word on the narration: Yep! This performance is perfect! When I pre-ordered this book, it was what exactly I was hoping for.
So, if you're in any way a fan of historical (huh... gotta admit, calling it that made me feel old) and/or political satirical fiction, then this is an easy recommendation!

Sharp and critical…

Absurd, outrageous and funny! The precision, tone and language are masterful. A masterclass in irony.

Holy $&?@!!! What did I just listen to?!???

I loved this book but I’m a sucker for a book that has me laughing often and my mouth agape more. Saying, out loud, to no one “What the actual $&?@!!!”
And the fact that only 1 voice narrated it was amazing!! I hadn’t looked before hand and sincerely thought they had a whole team of people. Very descriptive, very talented.
For anyone who considers themselves “not the linear thinker” this is the book for you! All the stars!!!