This book edition of The Souls of Black Folk has been formatted to the highest digital standards and adjusted for readability on all devices. The Souls of Black Folk is a classic work of American literature and a cornerstone of African-American literary history. Written by W. E. B. Du Bois in 1903 this book holds an important place in social science as one of the early works in the field of sociology. Du Bois wrote this book from his own experiences as an African American in the American society. William Edward Burghardt ""W. E. B."" Du Bois (1868 - 1963) was an American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, Pan-Africanist, author, writer and editor. Born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Du Bois grew up in a relatively tolerant and integrated community. After completing graduate work at the University of Berlin and Harvard, where he was the first African American to earn a doctorate, he became a professor of history, sociology and economics at Atlanta University. Du Bois was one of the co-founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 1909.