Afrocentrism and its history has long been disputed and controversial. In this important book, Wilson Moses presents a critical and nuanced view of the issues. Tracing the origins of Afrocentrism since the eighteenth century, he examines the combination of various popular mythologies, some of them mystical and sentimental, others perfectly reasonable. This is a rich history of black intellectual life and the concept of race.

"Moses charts new lines of investigation and, fearless of consequences,opens up old subjects for discussion in new ways. This is a book that will inform the highly informed." American Historical Review

"In short, this is a truly significant work and should be essential reading for anyone interested in why the present state of race relations has come to be what it is." The Journal of Southern History

"Moses makes his argument convincingly and provides an invaluable resource for scholars and advanced students of the African and African American experience....Recommended for graduate students and faculty/researchers." Choice

"...a first rate book on African American intellectual history that explains a great deal about black historiographic thinking, both academic and popular,today,and is highly recommended." Gerald Early, Journal of World History