James Baldwin (1924-1987) ranks as one of the original, decisive, and readable public intellectuals of the second half of the twentieth century. Even after half a century, his essay collections Notes of a Native Son, Nobody Knows My Name, and The Fire Next Time remain vibrant expressions of his personality. This posthumous collection of uncollected writings reminds again of the verve and range of his interests. These essays cover topics ranging from the possibility of an African American president; the hypocrisy of American religious fundamentalism; boxing; jazz; Russian literature; Black Nationalism; anti-Semitism and the role of the world in modern society. Editor's recommendation.