Roots-Thirtieth Anniversary Edition: The Saga of an American Family

Alex Haley

May 2007 · Vanguard

About this ebook

One of the most important books and television series ever to appear, Roots, galvanized the nation, and created an extraordinary political, racial, social and cultural dialogue that hadn’t been seen since the publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The book sold over one million copies in the first year, and the miniseries was watched by an astonishing 130 million people. It also won both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. Roots opened up the minds of Americans of all colors and faiths to one of the darkest and most painful parts of America’s past.  Over the years, both Roots and Alex Haley have attracted controversy, which comes with the territory for trailblazing, iconic books, particularly on the topic of race. Some of the criticism results from whether Roots is fact or fiction and whether Alex Haley confused these two issues, a subject he addresses directly in the book. There is also the fact that Haley was sued for plagiarism when it was discovered that several dozen paragraphs in Roots were taken directly from a novel, The African, by Harold Courlander, who ultimately received a substantial financial settlement at the end of the case.  But none of the controversy affects the basic issue. Roots fostered a remarkable dialogue about not just the past, but the then present day 1970s and how America had fared since the days portrayed in Roots. Vanguard Press feels that it is important to publish Roots: The 30th Anniversary Edition to remind the generation that originally read it that there are issues that still need to be discussed and debated, and to introduce to a new and younger generation, a book that will help them understand, perhaps for the first time, the reality of what took place during the time of Roots.  

Ratings and reviews

It's long, I know. But it is not a difficult read. This will be my 4th time reading it and each time is better. There's sad times, horrifyingly times, but also good times and it's an incredibly heartwarming story. Just read it. Just give it a try....you will not regret it.

Wow that deep but it real you must never forget can't forget it let me know when you come from now I know where im going and goimg to make my self & other around me a better man Thank u. The mov was Great but the book has more details make so real Love it

Extraordinarly the best NOVEL I have read in a long time. A gem that should be treasured for many years to come. So beautifully poignant and intimately written. And so honestly real on the struggles that African Americans faced in those days. Will and should become a treasure for many years to come for all American families !

About the author

Alex Haley taught himself to write during a twenty year career in the U.S. Coast Guard. After retiring, he worked as a freelance magazine writer. His first book was The Autobiography of Malcom X, on which he was collaborator and editor. Roots: The Saga of An American Family was his second book, for which he was awarded special recognition from the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award committees. He also wrote A Different Kind of Christmas, and Queen, a sequel to Roots. Haley died in 1992.