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The Fire Next Time

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The Fire Next Time

Written by: James Baldwin
Narrated by: Jesse L. Martin
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About this listen

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • The book that galvanized the nation, gave voice to the emerging civil rights movement in the 1960s—and still lights the way to understanding race in America today. • “The finest essay I’ve ever read.” —Ta-Nehisi Coates

At once a powerful evocation of James Baldwin’s early life in Harlem and a disturbing examination of the consequences of racial injustice, the book is an intensely personal and provocative document from the iconic author of If Beale Street Could Talk and Go Tell It on the Mountain. It consists of two “letters,” written on the occasion of the centennial of the Emancipation Proclamation, that exhort Americans, both black and white, to attack the terrible legacy of racism.

Described by The New York Times Book Review as “sermon, ultimatum, confession, deposition, testament, and chronicle … all presented in searing, brilliant prose,” The Fire Next Time stands as a classic of literature.

©1962 James Baldwin (P)2008 BBC Audiobooks America Americas Essays Memoirs, Diaries & Correspondence Social Sciences Sociology United States Nonfiction Social justice Classics Civil Rights

What the critics say

"Searing...brilliant...masterful." ( The New York Times)
"One of the few genuinely indispensable American writers." ( Saturday Review
"Anguished...stabbing...a final plea and warning...to end the racial nightmare." ( Newsweek)
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Most Relevant
This non fiction by James Baldwin constructs an intimate expose of the severe limitations and political-spiritual choices of Black America in the 1960’s. This prescient document reflects America’s racist underpinnings and sets down what needs to be accepted, addressed and changed in order to avoid complete social collapse.

A Must Read

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Excellent listen!

Although I do not agree with the understanding of the History of Christianity ( it is not a white man religion, but rather another exemple of cultural appropriation for oppression as Christianity is an Eastern religion from the Middle East) agree with most of the arguments of Mr. Baldwin that race is a political construct, that white supremacy is the sign of inferiority complex and a manifestation of self-hate and self ignorance, meaning that in order to live and accept himself, the white supremacist must debase the black person. Truly a sad state and I can only play for self love and acceptance of such individuals, to be set free from such a miserable state of mind. Ultimately we are all God’s children and made in his image. Only by truly embracing that truth shall we live together in love, harmony and acceptance, first of self and then of others.
One can dream! And like Baldwin concludes, black history has shown the impossible to be possible!
Peace 🫶🏾

Still relevant in 2022: enlightening and thought full and provoking

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It is striking that—aside from Baldwin talking about meeting Malcolm X and things that insinuate a specific time and place in the past—it might have been written today, so little has changed. Published in ‘62 yet still with a bluntness and conciseness explains exactly the numerous problems that outline things that have not even remotely been addressed as a culture. Especially western views of masculinity, land ownership, and a staunch refusal to even view reality as it is when systemic issues are concerned.

Should be required reading

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James Baldwin is always engaging and knowledgable. This is well worth listening to. I will be going over there a read again. Possibly a third time too. Much to take in; also, his words are as relevant today as they was back in 1963.

Empowering and Insightful

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My first James Baldwin and won’t be the last definitely. Simple language and great thoughts all presented beautifully by the narrator.

Simplicity

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