James Baldwin: The FBI File

"James Baldwin: The FBI File" unveils the extensive surveillance dossier the FBI maintained on James Baldwin, an influential figure in American literature and a crucial voice in the Civil Rights movement. Spanning from 1958 to 1974, this collection, published for the first time, reveals over a hundred original FBI records, capturing the government’s obsessive monitoring of Baldwin's writings, conversations, and private life. Compiled by literary historian William J. Maxwell, whose previous work spotlighted FBI's scrutiny over African American literature, this book not only showcases these secret documents but also includes Maxwell’s insightful commentary, providing rich historical context and connecting Baldwin’s experiences to the contemporary Black Lives Matter movement. Ideal for adult education classes, this book serves as a powerful resource in understanding the intersections of art, politics, and racial justice, prompting readers to reflect on how much has changed and what challenges persist in today’s society.