African-American literature is bountiful in its unique and varied genres ranging from slave narratives, to the artistry of the Harlem Renaissance era, down to its perspectives on race, politics and culture. Thousands of books have crossed through the hands of readers that are significant in impact, here are only 10 of them below. The Souls of Black Folk, 1903 We kick off the list with W.E.B. Du Bois’ The Souls of Black Folk which is an American literary classic and an iconic piece in African-American literature. SEE ALSO • The History Of Black Cowboy Fashion • Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2025 • The Top Superfine Looks From the 2025 Met Gala