"The Fire Next Time" is a book written by James Baldwin, a prominent African American writer and civil rights activist, published in 1963. The book is a collection of two essays that originally appeared in The New Yorker.

The first essay, titled "My Dungeon Shook: Letter to my Nephew on the One Hundredth Anniversary of Emancipation," is a heartfelt letter from Baldwin to his young nephew, in which he discusses the challenges of being Black in America and the importance of self-love and resilience in the face of racism.

The second essay, "Down at the Cross: Letter from a Region of My Mind," explores Baldwin's experiences growing up in Harlem, his struggles with his Christian faith, and his observations on the racial and social climate of America during the Civil Rights Movement.

"The Fire Next Time" is considered a classic work of African American literature and a powerful exploration of race, identity, and the struggle for equality in America. Baldwin's eloquent and insightful writing continues to resonate with readers today, making the book a timeless and important piece of Black history.