• The Rise and Fall of a Proper Negro by Leslie Alexander Lacy - Fehmerling Books
  • An internal view of the vintage paperback 'The Rise and Fall of a Proper Negro,' revealing the inside front cover and a library checkout page. The left side features a handwritten personal note beginning with 'Sorry I did not see you,' while the right side displays a vintage 'Date Due' slip with stamps from 1970 and 1971.
  • Back cover of Leslie Alexander Lacy's 'The Rise and Fall of a Proper Negro,' displaying bold white typography on a dark field. The layout features extensive critical praise, identifying the work as a landmark of Black American literature and a 'Pilgrim's Progress' of the civil rights era.
  • Side-angle view of 'The Rise and Fall of a Proper Negro' resting on a neutral gray background. The spine prominently displays the Pocket Books logo and the publisher code 671-78105-7-125, reflecting the well-read and historically significant condition of this civil rights era memoir.
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Leslie Alexander Lacy | Social Justice Memoir and Racial Identity Memoir

The Rise and Fall of a Proper Negro by Leslie Alexander Lacy

The Rise and Fall of a Proper Negro by Leslie Alexander Lacy

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The Rise and Fall of a Proper Negro by Leslie Alexander Lacy

Born into affluence as a member of the "world's richest Black bourgeoisie," Leslie Alexander Lacy's memoir unveils a compelling journey of self-discovery in mid-20th-century America. Navigating the complexities of race, class, and identity, Lacy's story chronicles his transformation from privilege to radicalization as he confronts the harsh realities of racism and social inequality. From the sheltered world of his upbringing to the front lines of the civil rights movement, Lacy's experiences offer a poignant exploration of personal liberation and the search for an authentic self. This powerful narrative of transformation resonates deeply with readers seeking to understand Black history, social justice movements, and the ongoing struggle for equality in America. Experience the captivating story of one man's search for belonging and purpose in a world defined by prejudice.

Why You’ll Love This Book

Lacy's raw and honest storytelling provides a unique perspective on the intersection of race and class, revealing the hidden tensions within a community often overlooked. His journey from privilege to activism illuminates the transformative power of confronting injustice and finding one's voice. This memoir offers a profound reflection on the Black experience in America, challenging readers to examine their own biases and assumptions.

Edition & Specifications

Publisher: Pocket Books

Pages: 224

Format: Paperback

Publication Date: 1971

ISBN: 9780025672000

Condition Note:

Condition & Grading Guide

How We Grade Our Books

  • 📸 True-to-Life Photos: For all vintage and pre-loved books, the photos on the page are of the exact physical copy on our shelf. Brand-new books feature official publisher cover art.
  • New: Direct from the publisher; immaculate, unread condition.
  • Like New: Pristine condition with minimal to no shelf wear; looks unread.
  • Very Good: Lightly read with minor shelf wear or light cover creasing. Pages are clean, crisp, and unmarked with a tight binding. (Our baseline standard for pre-loved books.)
  • Good: A well-loved reading copy with visible shelf wear or page aging, but fully intact and structurally sound.

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  • Damaged in Transit? If your shipment arrives damaged or incorrect, email us within 72 hours of delivery scan at customerservice@fehmerlingbooks.com. We’ll evaluate it immediately and provide a prepaid return label and replacement or full refund.
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$14.00 USD
$14.00 USD
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