James Baldwin: The Last Interview: and other Conversations

James Baldwin war in den 60er/70er Jahren weltweit bekannt und geachtet als Romanautor wie als teilnehmender Beobachter der Bürgerrechtsbewegung in den USA. Dies letzte Interview ist ein Vermächtnis, seine Gedanken sind auch heute eindrucksvoll und bewegend.

James Baldwin was very careful with the written word. Words mattered to him because he understood that they transcend a simple lifetime. These interviews show Baldwin carefully choosing his words but also “letting his hair down” a little, particularly in the last, longest interview. This is an excellent collection of recollections, thoughts, apperceptions, and scrutiny. (Ismael Reed comes off poorly.) Buy it! You will not be disappointed, particularly if you are favorably inclined toward Baldwin. People on the fence would do well to buy the book to gain insight into one of African-Americans’ best spokesmen. Recognize also that James Baldwin was an individual voice. Each author’s viewpoint leavens the dough of group experience. Once you’ve finished this short collection, buy and read Eddie Glaude, Jr.‘s “ Democracy in Black.”

A genius, and a fascinating interview.

I just love how Baldwin uses his words and articulates himself during the interviews. This book is such a great read.

Had forgotten how brilliant Baldwin is, and reading the interviews it's amazing how he predicted exactly where we are today: white society fearing they will be 'extinguished' or 'overrun' by brown and black peoples, and so beginning new race wars. Even more revealing is the condescension and clear (today) racism and homophobia of some of his interviewers. Read 'Stamped from the Beginning' last year, and it made enough of an impact that in reading these interviews, one can spot even those who are 'trying to elevate' this brilliant black man to their whiteness. Baldwin seems present enough, and brilliant enough, to see al the racist and homophobic comments for what they are - I wished at times these were audio tapes, so I could hear his answers which, just being read, still sound as if they put those interviewers who need it in the place they belong. This is an excellent read for the 21st Century...