Black Empire

Book excerpt: George Samuel Schuyler, was a noted black satirist of the early 20th century. This book is an intricate tale of black nationalism, science fiction, and incredible feats of derring-do intended to bolster black pride and accomplishment in the uneasy years before World War II. The book originally ran as weekly serialized fiction in the Philadelphia Courier from 1936 to 1938. Principal character Dr. Henry Belsidus is obsessed with releasing blacks from the crushing tyranny of racism and poverty, and he plans to take over the world and enlists black intellectuals to help him. Underlying the story is an attempt to resolve the philosophical, economic, and cultural chasms between blacks and whites. The book reflects the hope and despair felt by blacks during this time--From Library Journal.