W. E. B. Du Bois--The Historian

Abstract

William Edward Burghardt Du Bois is one of most intriguing personalities that has appeared on American scene. He was first Negro scholar to receive Doctor of Philosophy degree from Harvard University. This was conferred in field of history in 1895.1 His unusual ability had been recognized throughout his academic career. During his teaching days at Atlanta University, he is said to have been the deepest scholar and most gifted writer in Atlanta.' Of those persons born after period of slavery, none had a more varied career than he. His activities have provided topics for much discussion and investigation. He not only wrote history but contributed greatly toward making it. This paper summarizes his two major historical works, presents views of critics as to their merit and evaluates Du Bois as historian. The Suppression of African Slave Trade to United States of America 1638-1870 (1896) and Black Reconstruction (1935) are his major works in history' but several of his other publications have historical significance; namely, Dusk of Dawn (1940), his autobiography, The Souls of Black Folk (1903), The Gift of Black Folk (1924), and Black Folk: Then and Now (1939). Besides being a study in classic English, The Souls of