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Cyril Lionel Robert James (1901–1989), commonly known as C.L.R. James, was a prominent Trinidadian historian, journalist, Marxist writer, and Trotskyist activist. A highly influential figure in the 20th century, his work spanned a wide range of disciplines, including history, political theory, literary criticism, and sports. He is widely considered one of the most important intellectual voices of the Pan-African and anti-colonial movements.

Key Aspects of his Life and Work:
Political Activism: James was a dedicated Marxist and anti-colonialist. He was a leading figure in the Trotskyist movement, though he later developed his own unique political theories. He believed that ordinary people, not a "vanguard party," were the true drivers of revolutionary change. He was a champion of Pan-Africanism and a strong advocate for the independence of the British West Indies. His political work led to his deportation from the United States during the McCarthy era.
Historian: James's most famous historical work is The Black Jacobins: Toussaint L'Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution (1938). This seminal book is a Marxist-influenced history of the Haitian Revolution, which he viewed as a foundational event in the history of slave revolts and a powerful example of the oppressed taking control of their own destiny.
Literary and Cultural Critic: James was a profound thinker who refused to be confined to a single field. He wrote extensively on literature, including a notable analysis of Herman Melville's Moby Dick in his book Mariners, Renegades and Castaways (1953). He also wrote the novel Minty Alley (1936), a pioneering work in Caribbean literature.
Sports Writer: James is also celebrated as a brilliant cricket writer. His book Beyond a Boundary (1963) is considered by many to be the greatest book ever written about the sport. In it, he uses cricket not just as a game, but as a lens to explore complex issues of race, class, colonialism, and national identity in the British West Indies.
Legacy: C.L.R. James's work remains highly influential in postcolonial studies, critical race theory, and Marxist thought. He is remembered as a "Black Plato" for his ability to connect seemingly disparate ideas and for his unwavering belief in the power of the masses to shape history.