Thompson (sociology, Simmons College, Boston) tells the life histories of 39 antiracist, American activists from the past half-century. Based on interviews conducted around the U.S. over the past five years, of people ranging in age from their early-20s to their late- 80s, the text incorporates individual experiences with social and political history. Thompson explores the roles of white antiracists in several social movements the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, multiracial feminism, the Central American peace movement, the struggle for antiracist education, and activism against the prison industry and considers both the contributions and the limitations of such activism. An engaging, narrative style makes this academic text accessible to the general reader. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)