Contributor(s):Author: Al-JahizIntroduction by: Simon StarrBook of the Glory of the Black Race is a book written by Al-Jahiz, who was a famous Afro-Iraqi scholar, believed to have been of East African descent and an acclaimed prose writer and author of works of literature, Mutazili theology, and politico-religious polemics. Not much is known about Al-Jahizs early life, but his family was very poor. Born in Basra, c. 781 - December 868 or January 869, he asserted in a book he wrote that he was a member of the Arabian tribe Banu Kinanah. His nephew also reported that Al-Jahizs grandfather was a black African. This particular work is intended by Al-Jahiz to demonstrate that the original man ( Black African ) is to be honoured for the many outstanding and unique attributes they posses over other races. This writing is significant due to it being a firsthand account and witness testimony of the achievements of the native African.