An Enquiry Concerning The Intellectual And Moral Faculties, And Literature Of Negroes De La Littérature Des Nègres, Ou, Recherches Sur Leurs Facultés Intellectuelles. English

Amongst other things, this book is a devastating critique of Thomas Jefferson's "Notes on the State of Virginia", in which he mused about black inferiority. Its publication in 1810, after Jefferson's opposition to its appearance, was a major event for African Americans. Originally Published By A French Abolitionist In 1810 As A Refutation Of The Scientific Racism In Thomas Jefferson's Notes On The State Of Virginia. Discusses The Achievements Made By Blacks At The Time. It Had The Unexpected Effect Of Rousing The Literary And Political Ambitions Of Free American Blacks, Who Read Grégoire's Book With Great Excitement.--back Cover. Series Foreword / Paul Finkelman -- Introduction / Graham Russell Hodges -- I. Concerning The Signification Of The Word Negro. Ought All Blacks To Be Included Under This Denomination? Difference Of Opinion Concerning Their Origin. Unity Of The Primitive Type Of The Human Race -- Ii. Opinions Relative To The Moral Inferiority Of Negroes. Discussions On This Subject. Of The Obstacles Which Slavery Opposes To The Development Of Their Faculties. These Obstacles Combatted By The Christian Religion. Of Bishops And Negro Priests -- Iii. Moral Qualities Of The Negroes; Their Love Of Industry, Courage, Bravery, Paternal Tenderness, Filial Generosity, &c. -- Iv. Continuation Of The Same Subject -- V. Talents Of The Negroes For Arts And Trades. Political Societies Organized Among The Negroes -- Vi. Literature Of Negroes -- Vii. Of Negroes And Mulattoes Distinguished By Their Talents And Their Works -- Viii. Conclusion. Henri Grégoire. Originally Published: 1810. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.