"New York Times"-bestselling author West is one of America's most provocative and admired public intellectuals. Yet, as he points out in this memoir, I've never taken the time to focus on the inner dynamics of the dark precincts of my soul. That is, until now.

Educator and philosopher Cornel West is the Class of 1943 University Professor at Princeton University. Known as one of America's most gifted, provocative, and important public intellectuals, he is the author of the contemporary classic Race Matters, which changed the course of America's dialogue on race and justice, and the New York Times bestseller Democracy Matters. He is the recipient of the American Book Award and holds more than 20 honorary degrees.Award-winning writer David Ritz is the co-author of the autobiographies of Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and B.B. King.