"One of the most important biographies of our time....With this long-awaited second (and final) volume...Harlan has written the definitive biography of Booker T. Washington....He brings to life a man of enormous complexity, an enigmatic figure who offends our era's sensibilities and refuses to meet our preconceived notions of how a great leader should behave."--
Washington Post Book World"From every standpoint a
tour de force....Harlan's study of the Wizard of Tuskegee is in every respect definitive--a model of the demanding art of biography."--
American Historical Review"A major contribution to black history."--
Southwestern Historical Quarterly"A superb work of scholarship....To meet the challenge of a subject as complex, difficult and treacherous as Washington calls for a biographical talent of a high order. Mr. Harlan's writing displays all the necessary skills and art...[He] deserves honors for his remarkable achievement."--C. Vann Woodward,
The New York Times Book Review"A magnificent biography....[Harlan] throws into relief the man, his era--and the larger problem of pragmatic temporizing in the face of racial injustice."--
Newsweek"The best biography of an Afro-American....Combining sympathy and critical detachment with a sure eye for complexity and ambiguity, Harlan has used his unparalleled knowledge of the Washington papers to dismantle the wall of circumlocution, indirection, and masked purpose with which Washington surrounded himself and to probe deeply the multiple facets of his very active life."--
Journal of Southern History"Harlan does a masterful job of unmasking his complex subject within the context of the social forces that shaped him."--
Journal of American History"A brilliant completion of what will stand as the definitive biography of Booker T. Washington."--Herbert Shapiro,
University of Cincinnati
