White Lies
The Double Life of Walter F. White and America's Darkest Secret
-
-
4.7 • 11 Ratings
-
-
- $15.99
Publisher Description
A New Yorker Best Book of the Year 2022
An “electrifying” biography of Walter White, a little-remembered Black civil rights leader who passed for white in order to investigate racist murders, help put the NAACP on the map, and change the racial identity of America forever (Chicago Review of Books).
Walter F. White led two lives: one as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance and the NAACP in the early twentieth century; the other as a white newspaperman who covered lynching crimes in the Deep South at the blazing height of racial violence. Born mixed race and with very fair skin and straight hair, White was able to “pass” for white. He leveraged this ambiguity as a reporter, bringing to light the darkest crimes in America and helping to plant the seeds of the civil rights movement.
White’s risky career led him to lead a double life. He was simultaneously a second-class citizen subject to Jim Crow laws at home and a widely respected professional with full access to the white world at work. His life was fraught with internal and external conflict—much like the story of race in America. Starting out as an obscure activist, White ultimately became Black America’s most prominent leader, during his time. A character study of White’s life and career with all these complexities has never been rendered, until now.
By the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of The Accidental President, Dewey Defeats Truman, and The Arsenal of Democracy, White Lies uncovers the life of a civil rights leader unlike any other.
Customer Reviews
An excellent account of American history
I started this book knowing nothing about its subject, Walter White. I’m not sure what compelled me to choose this read, but I’m so glad I did. Walter’s story is nothing short of compelling. From start to finish the author reeled me in with excellent accounts of history and Walter’s place in shaping it. I encourage everyone, but especially folks who live in the United States, to open this book and educate themselves on the dark history of the fight for civil rights in America. I learned a lot from this book and it has inspired me to keep on a quest for knowledge, learn from the past, and continue to fight for those like Walter who see the importance of seeking equality for all. Thank you to the author for taking the time to put together such an incredible work and for helping keep Walter’s name alive in the hopes that he may be honored as a household name in the civil rights story. A title he so justly deserves.
Walter F. White is one of America’s most unknown heroes
I am amazed that Walter F. White is not more of a household name in the United States. He most certainly should be. His story is unparalleled. Mr. Baime‘s ability to put you right into the mix shows the depth of knowledge and the research put into this book. The story of Walter F. White will put you on the edge of your seat and leave you there until the end. He is truly an American hero, which always is linked to tragedy. As a country, the United States is clearly better because of this man. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to enlighten themselves.