"The Color Purple" is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel written by Alice Walker, first published in 1982. The novel explores the lives of African American women in the early 20th century South, addressing themes of abuse, racism, and female empowerment.

The book is significant in Black history as it shed light on the experiences of Black women during a tumultuous period in American history. It is considered a seminal work of African American and women's literature, and it has been praised for its unflinching portrayal of complex issues faced by Black women.

"The Color Purple" was later adapted into a critically acclaimed film directed by Steven Spielberg in 1985, starring Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey. The adaptation brought the story to a wider audience and helped further solidify its place in Black cultural history.

Overall, "The Color Purple" is a powerful and important work that continues to resonate with readers and audiences, highlighting the strength and resilience of African American women in the face of adversity.