"For many citizens, black nationalist movements appear to be insurgent forces without precedent in American history. In this provocative analysis, Theodore Draper shows that, on the contrary, they have been with us since the founding of the republic. Mr. Draper traces the complicated and often tragic development of black nationalist themes from their realy beginnings to provide an authoritative and fair-minded account of America's most intransigent political problem"--Back cover.

Colonization -- Emigration -- From pan-Africa to back-to-Africa -- Self-determination -- The nation of Islam -- Malcolm x -- The black panthers -- Black power -- The land question -- Black studies -- Limits.