C. L. R. James

Description: (Trinidadian Historian and Journalist Known for His Books: ‘The Black Jacobins’, ‘Beyond a Boundary’ and ‘Minty Alley’)

C. L. R. James was a renowned Afro-Trinidadian historian, journalist, socialist theorist and essayist, who was also a popular cricket writer. James strived hard to put across the voices of the African native races. James was attached with socio-political causes like putting across the voices of lesser African races to the world. James wrote several times under his pen name J.R. Johnson. Sections of his writings throughout his life were dedicated to Caribbean and Afro-nationalism. James was widely known for his varied range of activities that included sports, occasional playwriting and acting. James had his own autodidactic facility. He was often termed as an “anti-Stalinist dialectician” as his views were more open and revolutionary. James was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from South Bank Polytechnic in London for his immense contribution to socio-political awareness building work on races and sport. James was a very popular cricket writer whose great work ‘Beyond a Boundary’ made way for a new era of writing on cricket. The book is arguably the best written by James and also the best book ever written on sport.

Overview

Birthday January 4, 1901 (Capricorn)
Born In Trinidad And Tobago
Alternative names Cyril Lionel Robert James, J. R. Johnson
Died on May 31, 1989
Spouse/Ex- Constance Webb ( m. 1946–1953), Juanita Young ( m. 1929–1932)​, Selma Weinstein ( m. 1955–1980)​
Parents Robert Alexander
Elizabeth James
Children Nobbie
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