In Baldwin's own words, the encounter with good literature and good books was what spurred him to develop the reading habit. The original contains charming illustrations. Hence we find old favorites like Dick Whittington's Cat, The Story of Robin Hood and George Washington and His Hatchet alongside less familiar ones like Inchcape Rock, Doctor Goldsmith or Diogenes the Wise. Baldwin remarks that he took care not to include myths, fairytales and fables. Folktales, legends and ballads also are a rich source. and draft his famous collection of essays, Notes of a Native Son (1955). His works have inspired millions of people worldwide, and his story is one that will continue to touch generations to come. He was a novelist, a social critic, an essayist, a playwright, and a strong advocate for equality. They are taken from a variety of sources. James Baldwins first experience living abroad was in Paris, France, where he. James Arthur Jimmy Baldwin was not just another writer. Some of the stories were selected for their historical value, others for the moral truths they convey, while some are intended solely to amuse. “.that the reading of them will give not only pleasure but also lay the foundation for broader literary studies.” he opines. These went on to set the standard for textbooks for nearly a century, at a time when education was undergoing huge systemic reform.įifty Famous Stories Retold contains a preface by the author, in which he describes the motives behind such an anthology. He retired as the Editor in Chief of the American Book Company and compiled the much acclaimed Baldwin Readers and co-authored the Expressive Readers. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, his works were extremely popular and had a considerable influence on the reading habits of generations of youngsters. He worked as a textbook editor and also wrote more than fifty books for children concerning mythology, legends and the stories of famous historical figures. James Baldwin, who shares his name with another famous American author was an editor, author and gifted teacher. Hence, Fifty Famous Stories Retold by James Baldwin would indeed be a great addition to your children's bookshelf. However, for a new generation growing up, some of these may be new and unknown. They were included in our text books or to be found in anthologies in our school libraries. These are stories that many people who grew up in the last century would be familiar with. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.King Alfred and the Cakes. We only include products that have been independently selected by Bustle's editorial team. Paul de Vence, France in 1987, and was buried in Hartsdale, New York’s Ferncliff Cemetery, where his mother now rests beside him.īelow, 10 must-read James Baldwin books that will help you understand one of the U.S.’s most insightful activists. Despite spending the rest of his life in Europe, Baldwin famously wrote in Notes of a Native Son: “I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” He died of stomach cancer in St. His publishing career officially began with a 1947 article in The Nation.īaldwin expatriated to France in 1948, and his first three books - Go Tell It on the Mountain, Notes of a Native Son, and Giovanni’s Room - followed within the next 10 years. The 10 must-read James Baldwin books on the list below barely scratch the surface of his body of work, but are sure provide newcomers and longtime Baldwin fans alike with hours of enlightening reading.īorn in Harlem in 1924, as the second-eldest of 10 children in Emma Joynes and David Baldwin’s blended family, James Baldwin showed signs of literary talent early in life, but originally planned to follow in his stepfather’s footsteps and become a Baptist minister - an experience that heavily influenced his semi-autobiographical novel, Go Tell It on the Mountain. That Baldwin’s works still feel deeply relevant today, more than 30 years after his death, is a testament not only to his legacy as a midcentury thinker, but also to the United States’ persistent refusal to confront and correct its anti-Blackness. James Baldwin Books - Buy James Baldwin Books at Indias Best Online Shopping Store. There’s just something about James Baldwin’s gut-punching prose that compels you to keep reading, even as your heart breaks.
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