Set in the American Deep South, each of the powerful novellas collected here concerns an aspect of the lives of black people in the postslavery era, exploring their resistance to white racism and oppression. Published in 1938, this was the first book from Wright, who would continue on to worldwide fame as the author of the novels Native Son and Black Boy.
Editorial Reviews
"In violating the unspoken agreement regarding what could or could not be uttered about race relations in this country, Wright brought to bear both the rhetorical force of leftists polemic and the imaginative energy and cultural richness of Afro-American folklore with a power and a coherence that he may never have again achieved." —Richard Yarborough, from the Introduction
"The Library of America has insured that most of Wright's major texts are now available as he wanted them to be read." —Alfred Kazin, New York Times Book Review
About the Author
Richard Nathaniel Wright, one of America's most popular and critically acclaimed writers, was an African-American author of powerful, sometimes controversial novels, short stories and non-fiction. Much of his literature concerned racial themes. His work helped redefine discussions of race relations in America in the mid-20th century. He is the author of Native Son, Black Boy, The Outsider, The Long Dream, and many other books.
