"The Fire Next Time" is a book written by James Baldwin, a prominent African American writer, in 1963. The title of the book comes from a lyric in an old spiritual that warns of the coming judgment day. The book consists of two essays, "My Dungeon Shook: Letter to My Nephew on the One Hundredth Anniversary of Emancipation" and "Down At The Cross: Letter from a Region in My Mind."

In these essays, Baldwin reflects on the state of race relations in America during the civil rights movement of the 1960s. He explores the experiences of African Americans in a society dominated by white supremacy and discusses the impact of racism on both black and white communities. Baldwin also examines the role of Christianity in the African American community and critiques the ways in which religion has been used to justify racist beliefs and practices.

"The Fire Next Time" is considered a powerful and thought-provoking work that continues to be relevant in discussions about race, inequality, and social justice. Baldwin's eloquent and passionate writing style has made the book a classic in African American literature and a significant contribution to Black history.