The Souls of Black Folk is W.E.B. Du Bois' most famous work. While the work is often viewed as a classic in African American literature and the history of the African American experience, the sociological significance of the work has been understated. In his initial discussions with the book's original publisher, Du Bois desired to prepare a volume that would showcase his ongoing sociological work on ""the Negro problems."" While many editions of Du Bois' classic text have appeared, no edition has focused primarily on the eight previously published essays in their original form and chronologic