We Were Eight Years in Power

An American Tragedy

This essay collection gathers Ta-Nehisi Coates writing from The Atlantic between 2008 and 2016, framed by new introductory material. It examines race, history, and power in the United States during Barack Obamas presidency and its aftermath. Coates connects contemporary politics to the legacy of slavery, Reconstruction, and systemic inequality.

by Ta-Nehisi Coates

One World · First published 2017 · 400 pages