Of One Blood (1902-1903) is a novel by Pauline E. Hopkins. Recognized
as one of the earliest works of science fiction by an African American
writer, Of One Blood was originally published in The Colored American
Magazine, America's first monthly periodical covering African American
arts and culture. Combining themes of racial identity and passing within
a genre-blending narrative of Gothic horror and the occult, Hopkins
weaves a masterful tale of conspiracy, a lost African kingdom, and
murder. Struggling with the mental and financial pressures of medical
school, Reuel Briggs--a Black man who passes as white--decides to take a
night off in order to attend a local concert. There, he sees the singer
Dianthe Lusk, a beautiful woman who possess a mysterious aura. The next
day, Reuel is called to assist at the scene of a train accident. There,
he chances upon Dianthe, who has sustained a blow to the head. Using an
experimental form of mesmerism, Reuel brings her back to life, but she
seems to be suffering from near total amnesia. After nursing her back to
health with the help of his best friend Aubrey, Reuel finds her a place
to stay in Boston. Hoping to marry her, he offers to embark on an
archaeological expedition organized by Aubrey, who claims to have
discovered a lost Ethiopian kingdom. As the story unfolds, redemption
turns to betrayal, best friends become sworn enemies, and a secret from
the distant past threatens to change Reuel's life forever. With this
thrilling tale of race, adventure, and mystery, Hopkins proves herself
as a true pioneer of American literature, a woman whose talent and
principles afforded her the vision necessary for illuminating the
injustices of life in a nation founded on slavery and genocide. With a
beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this
edition of Pauline E. Hopkins' Of One Blood is a classic work of
African American literature reimagined for modern readers.
