George Washington Williams’ History of the Negro Race in America from 1619 to 1880 has been called "a monumental act of intellectual reclamation," as the first comprehensive, scholarly history of African Americans authored by a Black person.

More than just a chronicle, this "millennial scope" work shattered the era's dominant pro-slavery myths by replacing biased folklore with a rigorous, objective narrative built on years of primary research. Williams, a self-taught historian, refused to let the Black story begin in the holds of slave ships; instead, he framed the American experience within a global context, tracing the unity of the human family and the ancient legacies of African governments in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

By shifting the perspective from a white-centered viewpoint to an internal Black history, Williams documented the essential contributions of Black soldiers, pioneers, and citizens who shaped the Republic. His writing served a dual purpose: to confront a skeptical world with "correct ideas" based on historical evidence and to empower African Americans by validating their citizenship and manhood. Ultimately, this seminal work remains a vital archive of the struggle for freedom, standing as a definitive scientific and historical defense against racial hierarchies that continues to influence American historiography today.

No other second editions on the market at the time of cataloging, and the solitary first edition we locate offered at $4,500.00.

Williams, George W. First Colored Member of the Ohio Legislature, and Late Judge Advocate of the Grand Army of the Republic of Ohio. History of the Negro Race in America from 1619 to 1880. Negroes as Slaves, as Soldiers, and as Citizens. Together with a Preliminary Consideration of the United of the Human Family, an Historical Sketch of Africa, and an Account of the Negro Governments of Sierra Leone and Liberia. Popular Edition. Two Volumes in One. New York. G. P. Putnam's Sons. 1885. xix + 481 + xiii + 611pp.

A good + copy rebound in a later linen cloth binding with label and new endpapers. The text itself quite good, solid and clean. A small marginal tear to the engraved frontis [see image] and a few corners turned. Some sepia ink stain at lower edge of text block, not visible on pages. Else exceptionally clean and crisp.