The City on the Hill From Below – The Crisis of Prophetic Black Politics

"Marshall presents a challenging interrogation of a central trope of American political theory in this excellent new work. In examining the meaning and implication of 'the city on the hill' as political imaginary, the author skillfully guides readers through the history of prophetic political critique from African American intellectuals and offers insights into both the strengths and weakness of the arguments put forth by David Walker, Frederick Douglass, W. E. B. Du Bois, and James Baldwin... This is a well-written, incisive intellectual work that offers critical insights into political theory and African American politics. Summing Up: Highly recommended." Choice, February 2012 "Even compared to recent - and excellent - publications on black political thought, Stephen H. Marshall's The City on the Hill From Below stands out. Marshall's first book is notable for its range and sagacity. He examines how David Walker, Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Du Bois, and James Baldwin invoke and reinterpret the best-known metaphor for American exceptionalism: the 'City on the Hill.'... Marshall's keenest insight is to treat each thinker as a theorist of 'political evil'... [R]ichly textured...Marshall's reading [of Walker] is nothing short of commanding... The City on the Hill from Below is a remarkable first book that contributes novel insights for the study of black political thought... By addressing so many important thinkers and themes, the book represents a significant contribution to the study of black political thought and political theory more generally." Perspectives on Politics, September 2012 "Marshall's book makes for a fine treatment of black political thought." Journal of American History, September 2012