Winner of the US National Book Award for Non-Fiction, this work is a redefining history of anti-black racist ideas that dramatically changes our understanding of the causes and extent of racist thinking. Its deeply researched and fast-moving narrative chronicles the journey of racist ideas from 15th century Europe to present-day America through the lives of five major intellectuals - showing how these ideas were developed, disseminated and eventually enshrined in American society. 'Stamped from the Beginning' offers compelling new answers to some of the most troubling questions of our time. In forcing us to reconsider our most basic assumptions about racism and also about ourselves, it leads us to a true understanding on which to build a real foundation for change