Afro-American Encyclopaedia: Or, the Thoughts, Doings, and Sayings of the Race, First Edition, 1896

[African American] Haley, James T. Afro-American Encyclopaedia. Nashville, Tennessee: Haley & Florida, 1896. Nashville, Tenn: Haley & Florida, 1896. First edition. 639 pages. Approx. 10 x 7 1/2 in. Illustrations. "Sold by Subscription Exclusively." "Illustrated with Beautiful Half-tone Engravings." A comprehensive account of notable African American persons, historical events, and significant locations throughout the 19th century. Illustrated, including images of opera singer Sissieretta Jones, and educators Mary Rice Phelps, and Clarissa Thompson. James T. Haley was an American writer, editor, and publisher. His Afro-American Encyclopaedia was (truncated) among the first works documenting African American history in encyclopedic form. Haley's encyclopedia is not arranged in the usual alphabetical order but by subject; it includes an alphabetical list of topics covered -- addresses, biographies, sermons, poems, lectures, educational and religious information, and a list of Black newspapers. Afro-American Encyclopaedia is heavily illustrated, primarily showing buildings and people which are featured within the book. This landmark encyclopedia was a precursor to, and possibly inspiration for, the Encyclopedia Africana that W.E.B. Du Bois envisioned (but never realized). Wear to spine, with loss to binding at top and bottom and partial separation as outer joints. Inner binding holding but fragile with partial separation at front inner hinge and separation at back inner hinge. Scuffing to front board and light staining to back board, bumping to corners. Overall fair to good condition. A comprehensive and significant work of historiography documenting the rich history and contributions of African Americans during the post-Reconstruction era. (Inventory #: 21500)