Captain Blackman

A novel by John A. Williams

April 1, 2000 • 5.5 x 8.5 • 336 pages • 978-1-56689-096-0

Vividly brings to life the history of African Americans in the military.

Named among the most important works of fiction of the decade by when first published in 1972, this is the first book to be published in Coffee House Press’s Black Arts Movement reprint series.

True to form, John A. Williams is exhaustive and accurate in his historical research of the significant role played by African Americans in the military. Captain Blackman is a U.S. soldier in Vietnam who becomes seriously wounded. As he drifts in and out of consciousness he hallucinates back in time as a solider in each of America’s wars from 1775 to 1975.

Reviews

“Captain Blackman may turn out to be among the most important works of fiction of the decade.” —New York Times Book Review

“Captain Blackman is a dramatically sound and exciting retelling of history. Williams is a powerful writer and his historical characters come to life alongside his fictional ones.” —Publishers Weekly

“Mr. Williams has written a provocative book in which fantasy and history merge and flow. His well-researched retelling of history is valuable, his novel fascinating reading and his message compelling.” —Baltimore Sun