Sometimes
the
smallest
clues
solve
the
largest
mysteries.
“This deft and riveting historical ‘thriller’…is itself a prodigious feat of detective work and archival magic. A spectacular book in so many ways.”
— Robin D.G. Kelley
“Jacob S. Dorman of the University of Nevada reveals exciting new information about those [Black Muslim] origins; his work makes a signal contribution to understanding African-American Islam.” —The Wall Street Journal, September 2020.
Dorman has a “knack for keeping one amused and amazed...His intent is not to discredit Moorish Science but to demonstrate the cultural ingenuity of early African-American Muslims.” —Harper’s Magazine, April 2020
“Dorman does an excellent job of presenting his information in a clear and entertaining manner, making the subject matter so interesting that you can't helped but be pulled into the narrative.” — Qantara.de, April 2020.
“beautifully written… This is an amazing find on Dorman’s part, but it is also a strong template to historians of all periods on how to successfully conduct research using multiple archives and little evidence to uncover the history of Black people….a vivid account of the alchemy of race, performative identity, politics, and survival.” —The American Historical Review
“A captivating reinterpretation of Muslim-American heritage.”
—Library Journal, Starred Review
“A fascinating work of historical reinterpretation.”
—Booklist, Starred Review
“A remarkable study.”
—Publishers Weekly
“A masterful blend of rigorous scholarship and compelling narrative… an immense accomplishment. Dorman illuminates lost chapters of American history and transforms our understanding of an American prophet.” —Michael Muhammad Knight
“Superb. Intelligently conceived, meticulously researched, and splendidly written, —Bill Tuttle
“A must-read! Jacob S. Dorman weaves together fascinating and compelling tales of circuses and theatrical stage shows and love and religion to reveal the deeply layered and mysterious public and private life of the first Black Muslim prophet. …The Princess and the Prophet is certain to transform our understanding of African American history, leaving readers with new ways of discussing Black life, culture, and religion.”
—LaShawn D. Harris
“Painstakingly researched and masterfully written, The Princess and the Prophet is both an exciting and titillating story that makes for a compelling read and an informative addition to scholarship on Gilded Age popular culture, religion, Black liberation movements, and urban history.”
—The Journal of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era
Always ask to see the evidence.
A lot of what we read in textbooks and newspapers is wrong.
Asking a basic question like why? or how? three times in a row can take one to the frontier of knowledge. When we realize that not knowing opens the door to wisdom, we can actually expand the limits of what is known.
Don't take anybody's word for it; check the primary sources and archives yourself. I collected more than 14,000 archival photographs and newspaper articles for my most recent book. I’ve collected a few of them for you to investigate under “Evidence.”
