In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Booker T. Washington was the most prominent figure in black America, overshadowing even his rival W.E.B. Du Bois. Sometimes accused of being too accommodating to segregationists, Washington espoused a philosophy of self-help, education, and economic empowerment, holding that political action could not by itself improve the lot of the nation's black citizens. In this autobiography, Washington describes a life that took him from the shackles of slavery in Virginia to a 34-year tenure as head of the famous Tuskeegee Institute. One of the most important American biographies ever written, this book should be in the collection of every public and academic library. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)