The Book of American Negro Spirituals

The Book of American Negro Spirituals is a comprehensive collection of spirituals that were sung by African Americans during the period of slavery and beyond. The book is authored by James Weldon Johnson, a renowned African American writer, and civil rights activist. It contains a total of 120 spirituals, with lyrics and music notation, as well as historical information about the songs and their origins. The book is divided into two parts, with the first part providing an introduction to the spirituals and discussing their significance in African American history and culture. Johnson explains how the spirituals were used as a means of communication, as well as a form of resistance and expression of faith. He also provides context for the songs, discussing their origins in Africa and their evolution in the United States.The second part of the book contains the collection of spirituals, arranged in alphabetical order by title. Each song includes the lyrics, music notation, and a brief introduction providing historical information about the song and its significance. The songs cover a range of themes, from the struggle for freedom and justice to the celebration of faith and community.Overall, The Book of American Negro Spirituals is a valuable resource for anyone interested in African American history, music, and culture. It provides a comprehensive collection of spirituals and contextualizes them within the broader historical and cultural context. The book is a testament to the power of music as a means of expression and resistance, and to the enduring legacy of the spirituals in American culture.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.