The Souls of Black Folk W. E. B. Du Bois - One of the Most Important Books on Civil Rights, Race, and Freedom Ever Written. It is a seminal work in the history of sociology and a cornerstone of African-American literature and a monumental collection of essays that examines race and racism in America during the early 1900s and prior. To develop this work, Du Bois drew from his own experiences as an African American in American society. Outside of its notable relevance in African-American history, The Souls of Black Folk also holds an important place in social science as one of the early works in the field of sociology. The Souls of Black Folk is perfect for anyone interested in African-America literature and history