This extraordinary work, first published in 1903, is even more relevant today. Du Bois declared that -the problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line, - the racial controversy that continues to haunt American society. This prophetic masterpiece began DuBois's lifelong crusade in his search for a solution, pleading for mutual respect and understanding as well the use of nonviolent methods to achieve racial equality. The Souls of Black Folk remains one of the most influential writings of our time.