--- product_id: 1966338 title: "Invisible Man" price: "£11.37" currency: GBP in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/1966338-invisible-man store_origin: GB region: United Kingdom --- # Invisible Man **Price:** £11.37 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Invisible Man - **How much does it cost?** £11.37 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.uk](https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/1966338-invisible-man) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description NATIONAL BOOK AWARD WINNER • NATIONAL BESTSELLER • In this deeply compelling novel and epic milestone of American literature, a nameless narrator tells his story from the basement lair of the Invisible Man he imagines himself to be. One of The Atlantic ’s Great American Novels of the Past 100 Years He describes growing up in a Black community in the South, attending a Negro college from which he is expelled, moving to New York and becoming the chief spokesman of the Harlem branch of "the Brotherhood," before retreating amid violence and confusion. Originally published in 1952 as the first novel by a then unknown author, it remained on the bestseller list for sixteen weeks and established Ralph Ellison as one of the key writers of the century. The book is a passionate and witty tour de force of style, strongly influenced by T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land , James Joyce, and Dostoevsky. Review: One of the most important American novels of the 20th century - I just reread this novel, not having touched it since 1994, and was once again impressed at Ellison's abilities as a storyteller, an observer, a thinker, and a prose stylist. I found myself (as I did 20 years ago and in the 1970s when I first read it) stopping frequently to reflect, to retrace my thoughts, and to think hard about all the things this book is about. In short, this is a serious novel for serious readers. While clearly this is a novel about race and identity, it transcends those two very common themes in American literature. It challenges both the racial politics prevailing in the American South and the liberal politics (and Marxist politics) of the supposedly more enlightened North, exposing both to be merely implements of people (both black and white) who use them for personal power and gain. Among the many things I love about this novel is that it challenges the usual pattern of the Bildungsroman, the growth of the central character into some kind of disillusioned authenticity. The last chapter of Invisible Man, along with the epilogue, suggest that such a state of autonomy is a goal that always remains elusively ahead of us, receding into the distance as we try to close on it. And so the novel interrogates both the idea of racial identity and the Emersonian ideal of individuality (the two are often counterpoised in discussion of affirmative action, for instance, and the novel reveals how complicated and tangled both ideas are in practice). Ellison's prose can at times be difficult, but it is worth careful attention. Its rhythms are beautiful and at times hypnotizing, and his play with words and with myth -- arguably this is a rewritten Odyssey -- is always thought provoking. Moreover, while incorporating a number of character types -- Norton, Bledsoe, Emerson, Jack, Mary, Ras, and even Rinehart all represents kinds of people I know of -- each comes across as an idiosyncratic individual, each neatly developed through revealing specifics. This novel is obviously the product of both genius and master craftsmanship. The Vintage edition is very good -- for one thing, it includes the prologue and epilogue (I've learned that some editions, sadly, omit them). The quality of the paper and the binding hold up well; it's important to me that a book feel right in my hands and this one feels great. I'm surprised that neither the Library of America nor the Norton Critical Editions have produced editions of this work. It is worthy of either series, and much wider exposure. It is without question one of the most important American novels of the 20th century. Review: A MUST READ - With my being so finicky about the books I choose to read, I have relatively high expectations for what lies within each one. I've seen this book for awhile now, and on many recommended reads within Black Literature. With such a vague cover and an even more ambiguous title, I found myself constantly overlooking it without realizing that I had seen this book right in front of me time and time again, as I searched for my next enlightening piece of history. I realize now with the book being so inconspicuous, that the title itself is actually quite fitting. Prior to reading Invisible Man, I hadn't heard much about it. No recommendations or opinions from others. So there was no way for me to foresee the impact the story would have on me. No way to envisage how eventful and substantial this book would be. No way to anticipate the perspective given to me, from the author, of this black man in America. No way for me to expect the change made to MY perspective as a Black American. After experiencing this painful truth, there was no way I could have conceived that the very people in my life may be "Invisible," and that I myself am invisible as well. The protagonist did not expect to experience the harsh realities of his existence. More specifically, to experience a journey that he had not planned for, but had plans for him; to meet with a number of individuals that would alter his perspective on being black in a white country; not expecting to ultimately realize that he never accurately knew himself in the first place. The Invisible Man struggles to live in a world where people choose to see him as THEY want to see him, and not for who he truly is. I felt deeply connected with both the mental plight of the protagonist, and his lonesome walk of life. Author Ralph Ellison paints the most vivid picture of an incredible story. With it's outstanding descriptiveness, and incredible symbolism, this book is nothing short of a masterpiece. While it may be tough to grasp all of it's messages and comprehend each metaphor in one read, it's a page turning experience that unforgivably takes a hold of your emotions without ever letting go. This book is an essential read for a number of reasons, however, two of them strike me as the most palpable. The first being its accurate portrayal of racism in America. Ellison takes us inside the mind of the protagonist as he experiences and discovers hateful discrimination in many forms. As well as many perspectives on racism though multiple characters in the book. And second, though it goes without saying how well written and beautiful the novel is, I was astounded by the overall genius of Ellison's vision. With how meticulous and well crafted this work of art is, it came as no surprise when I learned that it took Ellison roughly seven years to complete this book. The ideas presented in this book, though written nearly 70 years ago, still resonate deeply in today's society. I consider myself fortunate to have graced its pages. Easily a 5 star book, and one of the best books I've ever read. ## Features - Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man, paperback ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #3,231 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #3 in Literary Criticism & Theory #35 in Contemporary Literature & Fiction #172 in Classic Literature & Fiction | | Customer Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars 8,756 Reviews | ## Images ![Invisible Man - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51eMmsxaN8L.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One of the most important American novels of the 20th century *by J***N on May 6, 2012* I just reread this novel, not having touched it since 1994, and was once again impressed at Ellison's abilities as a storyteller, an observer, a thinker, and a prose stylist. I found myself (as I did 20 years ago and in the 1970s when I first read it) stopping frequently to reflect, to retrace my thoughts, and to think hard about all the things this book is about. In short, this is a serious novel for serious readers. While clearly this is a novel about race and identity, it transcends those two very common themes in American literature. It challenges both the racial politics prevailing in the American South and the liberal politics (and Marxist politics) of the supposedly more enlightened North, exposing both to be merely implements of people (both black and white) who use them for personal power and gain. Among the many things I love about this novel is that it challenges the usual pattern of the Bildungsroman, the growth of the central character into some kind of disillusioned authenticity. The last chapter of Invisible Man, along with the epilogue, suggest that such a state of autonomy is a goal that always remains elusively ahead of us, receding into the distance as we try to close on it. And so the novel interrogates both the idea of racial identity and the Emersonian ideal of individuality (the two are often counterpoised in discussion of affirmative action, for instance, and the novel reveals how complicated and tangled both ideas are in practice). Ellison's prose can at times be difficult, but it is worth careful attention. Its rhythms are beautiful and at times hypnotizing, and his play with words and with myth -- arguably this is a rewritten Odyssey -- is always thought provoking. Moreover, while incorporating a number of character types -- Norton, Bledsoe, Emerson, Jack, Mary, Ras, and even Rinehart all represents kinds of people I know of -- each comes across as an idiosyncratic individual, each neatly developed through revealing specifics. This novel is obviously the product of both genius and master craftsmanship. The Vintage edition is very good -- for one thing, it includes the prologue and epilogue (I've learned that some editions, sadly, omit them). The quality of the paper and the binding hold up well; it's important to me that a book feel right in my hands and this one feels great. I'm surprised that neither the Library of America nor the Norton Critical Editions have produced editions of this work. It is worthy of either series, and much wider exposure. It is without question one of the most important American novels of the 20th century. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A MUST READ *by M***2 on September 27, 2017* With my being so finicky about the books I choose to read, I have relatively high expectations for what lies within each one. I've seen this book for awhile now, and on many recommended reads within Black Literature. With such a vague cover and an even more ambiguous title, I found myself constantly overlooking it without realizing that I had seen this book right in front of me time and time again, as I searched for my next enlightening piece of history. I realize now with the book being so inconspicuous, that the title itself is actually quite fitting. Prior to reading Invisible Man, I hadn't heard much about it. No recommendations or opinions from others. So there was no way for me to foresee the impact the story would have on me. No way to envisage how eventful and substantial this book would be. No way to anticipate the perspective given to me, from the author, of this black man in America. No way for me to expect the change made to MY perspective as a Black American. After experiencing this painful truth, there was no way I could have conceived that the very people in my life may be "Invisible," and that I myself am invisible as well. The protagonist did not expect to experience the harsh realities of his existence. More specifically, to experience a journey that he had not planned for, but had plans for him; to meet with a number of individuals that would alter his perspective on being black in a white country; not expecting to ultimately realize that he never accurately knew himself in the first place. The Invisible Man struggles to live in a world where people choose to see him as THEY want to see him, and not for who he truly is. I felt deeply connected with both the mental plight of the protagonist, and his lonesome walk of life. Author Ralph Ellison paints the most vivid picture of an incredible story. With it's outstanding descriptiveness, and incredible symbolism, this book is nothing short of a masterpiece. While it may be tough to grasp all of it's messages and comprehend each metaphor in one read, it's a page turning experience that unforgivably takes a hold of your emotions without ever letting go. This book is an essential read for a number of reasons, however, two of them strike me as the most palpable. The first being its accurate portrayal of racism in America. Ellison takes us inside the mind of the protagonist as he experiences and discovers hateful discrimination in many forms. As well as many perspectives on racism though multiple characters in the book. And second, though it goes without saying how well written and beautiful the novel is, I was astounded by the overall genius of Ellison's vision. With how meticulous and well crafted this work of art is, it came as no surprise when I learned that it took Ellison roughly seven years to complete this book. The ideas presented in this book, though written nearly 70 years ago, still resonate deeply in today's society. I consider myself fortunate to have graced its pages. Easily a 5 star book, and one of the best books I've ever read. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ good book *by W***M on April 19, 2026* Great read ## Frequently Bought Together - Invisible Man - Beloved: Pulitzer Prize Winner - I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/1966338-invisible-man](https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/1966338-invisible-man) --- *Product available on Desertcart United Kingdom* *Store origin: GB* *Last updated: 2026-06-22*