"The Fire Next Time" is a book written by James Baldwin, a prominent African American author, activist, and social critic. Published in 1963, the book is a powerful collection of two essays that address racism and the struggle for civil rights in America during the 1960s.

The first essay, titled "My Dungeon Shook: Letter to My Nephew on the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Emancipation," is a poignant letter from Baldwin to his young nephew, in which he explores the pain, anger, and hope experienced by Black Americans in the face of systemic racism and white supremacy.

The second essay, titled "Down at the Cross: Letter from a Region in My Mind," delves deeper into Baldwin's personal experiences growing up in Harlem and his complex relationship with religion, race, and identity. He reflects on the role of Christianity in Black liberation and critiques the ways in which religion has been used to justify oppression.

"The Fire Next Time" is considered a seminal work in Black history and literature, as it offers profound insights into the enduring effects of racism and the urgent need for societal change. Baldwin's writing style is both eloquent and incisive, making the book a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the African American experience in the United States.