Disillusioned with the United States after being expelled from medical school because of his race, Matthew Townes, a young African American man, moves to Berlin, Germany, where he meets and falls in love with Kautilya, a princess from India. They become members of an international coalition against white imperialism. Civil rights activist and NAACP cofounder W. E. B. Du Bois dedicated his life to illuminating racial bigotry's historical, economic, and cultural consequences. Dark Princess , written in the genre of fantasy romance fiction, offered Du Bois an opportunity to fulfill his greatest ambitions, dreams, and longings: eradicating prejudice and discrimination against African Americans and people of color. Although it was not well received when it was first published , the novel is a powerful indictment of white supremacy -- and a stirring call for international solidarity among people of color.

It has since been rediscovered by scholars and critics who appreciate its bold vision and historical significance.