Book cover of Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks: An Interpretive History of Blacks in American Films

Book description

This classic iconic study of black images in American motion pictures has been updated and revised, as Donald Bogle continues to enlighten us with his historical and social reflections on the relationship between African Americans and Hollywood. He notes the remarkable shifts that have come about in the new millennium…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This book is an absolutely indispensable reference – Donald Bogle may well be dubbed the “godfather” of race studies in film as he meticulously chronicled and chartered black images in early film.

The book’s title alone already clues readers into the idea that Bogle will not pull any punches in describing popular black film caricatures that we now regard as problematic today.

From Frederick's list on the impact of movies outside the theater.

This is a groundbreaking book from 1973 that identified particular stereotypes into which Hollywood has pegged Black characters since the advent of cinema.

It established recurring character types that I expanded upon in my book and tailored to the horror genre. Told in a witty and personal manner, it is undoubtedly one of the classic texts of Black film criticism from one of the most notable figures in the field.

From Mark's list on Black film history.

If you love Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks...

Ad

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 59 books like Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks.

Browse books like Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks

Book cover of Framing Blackness: The African American Image in Film
Book cover of Slow Fade to Black: The Negro in American Film, 1900-1942
Book cover of Colorization: One Hundred Years of Black Films in a White World

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,212

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks, you might also like...

Book cover of Pinned

Pinned by Liz Faraim,

“Rowdy” Randy Cox, a woman staring down the barrel of retirement, is a curmudgeonly blue-collar butch lesbian who has been single for twenty years and is trying to date again.

At the end of a long, exhausting shift, Randy finds her supervisor, Bryant, pinned and near death at the warehouse…

Book cover of Reddy

Reddy by J L Wilson,

This is for those readers who like unusual settings and independent female characters in mid-life.

5 book lists we think you will like!