The Life of Langston Hughes: Volume II: 1914-1967, I Dream a World (Life of Langston Hughes, 1941-1967)

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Rampersad, one of our foremost African-American scholars, is an apt biographer for Hughes (1902-67), our greatest black poet. I, Too, Sing America (volume 1) covers the years during which Hughes produced his best work and was most politically active; Dream a World (volume 2) chronicles his artistic decline due to overwork in= response to perpetual financial difficulties. Both volumes are psychologically astute, critically penetrating and masterful in their intermingling of Hughes' story with a chronicle of the enormous changes that took place in black America during his lifetime.

Book Description

February 1, 2002 marks the 100th birthday of Langston Hughes. To commemorate the centennial of his birth, Arnold Rampersad has contributed new Afterwords to both volumes of his highly-praised biography of this most extraordinary and prolific American writer. The second volume in this masterful biography finds Hughes rooting himself in Harlem, receiving stimulation from his rich cultural surroundings. Here he rethought his view of art and radicalism, and cultivated relationships with younger, more militant writers such as Richard Wright, Ralph Ellison, James Baldwin, and Amiri Bakara. Rampersad's Afterword to volume two looks further into his influence and how it expanded beyond the literary as a result of his love of jazz and blues, his opera and musical theater collaborations, and his participation in radio and television. In addition, Rempersad explores the controversial matter of Hughes's sexuality and the possibility that, despite a lack of clear evidence, Hughes was homosexual. Exhaustively researched in archival collections throughout the country, especially in the Langston Hughes papers at Yale University's Beinecke Library, and featuring fifty illustrations per volume, this anniversary edition will offer a new generation of readers entrance to the life and mind of one of the twentieth century's greatest artists.

Customer Reviews:

One of the Most Creative Minds to Grace the planet.......2005-10-17

Langston Hughes was a Poets Poet.he had words that were uplifting that took you to another time&Place.Arnold Rampersad does a great job of telling the story of Langston Hughes&showcasing the Greatness of His Writings.Langston Hughes was ahead of time&Very Gifted African-American Writer.He left behind Ground-Breaking work that still speaks volumes to this day.

Forever A Proud & Unblemished Icon!.......2005-05-11

Arnold Rampersad's LIFE OF LANGSTON HUGHES Volume 2 retains much of Hughes' evident black pride that is inescapable no matter the type of biography and critical analysis done on him and his body of work. Hughes wrote about many other things during his lifetime, but he mostly celebrated his African American culture without shame or apology.

Volume 2 picks up where the first left off. Langston Hughes is at the crossroads of a lived life. His career as a writer has stalled a bit, he has becomes disillusioned by the predominantely white left who rufuses to understand fully and acknowledge the plight of the black American, and he is ill. Eventually, his career begins to get back on track and Rampersad takes the reader along with Hughes through the rest of his life to his death in 1967. Langston reaches out to the rest of the world through his love for his fellow black Americans and their stories and concerns. He faces the McCarthy hearings successfully but with a slight change from the politcal rhetoric expressed so openly in the 1930's where he had merged racial pride with a radical socialism to insure that the left could not
exclude blacks from the agenda. He witnesses the rise of a new generation of black writers, some who pleased him and others who did not, some who loved and respected him and others who did not. He challeged them to be proud of their black American heritage in their writing but also to be objective in their evaluations. He felt the sting of some of these young black writers who felt that he was out of touch and not angry enough. And, he witnessed the return of appreciation from the outside world for his body of work and humanity. Despite a general dislike he held for white people, some wasn't as liked by him as they believed themselves to be, it never materialized into open hate as it did with many in the Black Power Movement. Rampersad provides the best example of this by recounting a moment of outright rage in Hughes where he raises his voice to express his frustration and anger toward white folks, "benevolent anger" as opposed to the "malignant anger" of many in the Black Power Movement. Hughe fully understood the error of blanketing all white people as the same in prejudice.

Arnold Rampersad depth of exhaustive research is evident in the facts he uncovers in Hughes's complicated character. And, some readers will be surprised by what they will read such as his understanding of the short comings of integration where African Americans would to a large degree abandon their own infrastructure instead of building on it to be more secure without self-segregation and imposed segregation from the outside. Rampersad presents Hughes as the human being with foibles and not just a mythic icon of African American and American literature in general. Perhaps willingly to some degree to keep money in the bank as he "sharecropped" his way through his long career, the reader will definitely come away with the knowledged that Hughes was a famous African American of his day being exploited, again to a degree, by the larger community. This is very evident in some of the working situations Hughes would have outside the black community.

Volume 2 is free of much of the rheteric that came dangerously close to blatent homophobia in Volume 1. Rampersad doesn't come out and declare Hughes as gay, but does make the surprising admission that Hughes had a preference for black men like the late Gilbert Price, and, especially dark skinned black men in his life as well as work. This dissonance between not wanting to identify Hughes as gay and Hughes's very evident preference for black men as discovered by Rampersad during his exhaustive research is pandemic among certain scholars who believe sexuality has no bearing on creativity, at lease when it comes to certain icons as Hughes is to black America. But, Rampersad isn't a homophobe and it is unfair to cast him as one. Rampersad is to be applauded for this admission that he could have conveniently suppressed but chose not to do. Kudos!!!! Rampersad comes across as wanting to declare Hughes as gay, but holds back allowing the reader to read the obvious between the lines by patently stating Hughes primary interest for other black men. Rampersad does make references to the women Hughes was only "friendly" with without the slighthest romantic interest, Hughes even going out of his way make it clear that he was not interested in them romantically. This can be attributed to the condition in the black communty where black gay men are often required to "pass" as straight (as done to the ultimate degree by fellow black gay members of the Harlem Renaissance: Countee Cullen, Wallace Thurman, and Richard Bruce Nugent).

To me, Langston Hughes was and is a hero made to order! Hughes icon status still burns bright, beautifully, and unblemished for me and his other admirers regardless of any shortcomings and prejudices outside the love for his people.

A timeless piecework of art.......2000-10-11

This book has 425 pages in. It is wonderful and full of energy. It starts with one of Hughes poems and leads you down the ailes. The book is interesting, to the point and gives you enough information to find out more about how great Hughes is. I loved reading it and it gives you so much information to help you fully get to know Mr. Hughes. It is long but worth reading every page of it. I highly recommend reading this book.

Average customer rating:

I would have given it 5 stars but.....
A Great Surprise From A 1st Time Author
ESCAPISM AT ITS BEST
DIFFERENT CONCEPT
A Colorful Dream

Dream in Color: A Novel (Strivers Row)
Darlene Johnson
Manufacturer: Villard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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As We Lay: A Novel (Strivers Row)

ASIN: 0375758410
Release Date: 2002-07-09

Book Description

Victoria’s marriage is on the rocks, and she copes by daydreaming about fantasy men. But can these fantasies help fix her real life?

At age twenty-five, Victoria Chandler has a husband with a good job, a five-year-old daughter, Reese, and a house in the suburbs. She should be happy with her life. But she’s not. She suspects that her husband, Gerald, is having an affair, and she finds her loveless marriage a big disappointment. But Victoria stays married for the sake of her daughter. And to get by, she starts daydreaming about two fantasy men: James, a very handsome man she meets at a club, and Michael, a rock star.

As she ponders her attraction to these men, Victoria slowly realizes that her marriage to Gerald is doomed—they’re just not meant to be together. Inspired by the freedom that she exhibits in her fantasies, Victoria develops a plan to escape her marriage and create the reality that she’s always wanted.

Customer Reviews:

I would have given it 5 stars but............2004-02-22

This novel is about a couple in a loveless marriage where the wife does something a bit different than the typical. Instead of literally cheating, she does so within the fantasies of her own mind. These fantasies/day dreams become her outlet from a marriage to a man that has never loved her and only married her because she had given birth to their child. Her husband treats her cold and indifferent and is borderline abusive. Not to mention the fact that she is positive that he's cheating.

Two different love stories with totally different twist develop within her mind. The stories within the story were very good. And by the end of the novel I was very proud of Victoria {the lead character}. With the aid of her two fantasy lovers she was able to gain the strength she needed, within herself to leave the loveless marriage.

Dream in Color was a slightly different novel for me. DJ is a very talented writer and I was very impress with her first novel. The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because in a romance novel I like a bit more detail in the sex scene's... That did not happen here.

DJ!!!I NEED A LITTLE MORE SEX IN THE SEX SCENE'S HON....

A Great Surprise From A 1st Time Author.......2003-02-08

I've read so many books and was quite surprised that a 1st time author was able to produce such a great read. The title "Dream in Color" peaked my interest and made me wonder if, in fact, I dream in color. I can't answer that question. The book begins with an incident where Victoria plans a candle light dinner for her husband, Gerald, to help ignite the extinguished flame in their marriage. When he stands her up and has no apology, the day dreaming begins.

They started off as dreams but grew into day dreaming events that Victoria used as an escape from her doomed marriage. The author did a great job of differenciating the day dreams by having Victoria speak in 1st person when the story was present day and in 3rd person when Victoria was day dreaming.

Victoria day dreams about two different unknown men and relationships with each are formed. James was under age when he and Victoria met which put obvious strains on their relationship. Michael is a white, British rock star who has what became a drug problem. In Victoria's imagination, her relationship with James happens after she's divorced her husband Gerald. The relationship with Michael begins while Victoria's in college. In real life she met her husband Gerald in college but during the day dreams of Michael, she had not known Gerald at all.

The fact that the author choose to have these day dreams be imperfact relationships added another dimension to the book and was absolutely brilliant.

I've selected it for my Book Club and hope that they enjoy it as much as I did.

ESCAPISM AT ITS BEST.......2002-11-30

After finding out she is pregnant by her boyfriend Gerald, all Victoria wants is for them to marry and Gerald to take on his share of financial and parental responsibility . We are always told to be specific in our request. Victoria has gotten just what she requested, and it's a complete and utter nightmare. Now she is trapped in a loveless marriage. Gerald is verbally abusive, neglectful and mean.

So Victoria invents a more suitable life in the form of two taboo relationships. The first with a younger man and the second with a British rock star. These are not happily ever after scenarios that give her everything she in missing in her life with Gerald. But they are in fact actual dreamed out affairs complete with problems, friendship, and family interference. The one thing common to both these relationships that she is not experiencing in her real life marriage is love. Despite all the other obstacles she faces, she is much happier with these dream lovers. I guess love really does conquer all.

Dream in color is a page turner. The story moves at a good pace and is well written. The two dream sequences are very interesting. They really reminded me of stand alone short stories but at the end the author is able to bring it all together.

If you're looking for something a little different, this might be just the book for you.

Reviewed by Ruby
APOOO Book Club

DIFFERENT CONCEPT.......2002-11-11

The idea of basing a novel off of dreams is indeed different. I was caught off guard initially because I did not realize when the character started dreaming. My bookclub read this book and as a former resident of Indianapolis I wanted to be supportive of Ms. Johnson. The questions for discussion in the back were hepful for my bookclub. I did not care for the style in which it was written but I think she is a good writer.

A Colorful Dream.......2002-09-11

College student Victoria Chandler is in love with her boyfriend Gerald. When Victoria finds out, she is with child, she becomes overwhelmed with excitement and cannot wait to share the news with Gerald but his response is not what Victoria expected.

Gerald's mother persuades him to marry Victoria but he only married her because of the child. Victoria tries to do anything she can to put some type of spice in her marriage to no avail. She resorts to dreaming/fantasizing about two men that do not exist to give her the fulfillment of love she seeks.

Read this novel to find out how Victoria dreaming/fantasizing helps shape her life.

Best-in-Books (Beyond this Place, The Gallant Mrs. Stonewall, The USA in Color, Life at Happy Knoll, The Land of Stones and Saints, Dreamers of the American Dream)
Average customer rating:
Best-in-Books (Beyond this Place, The Gallant Mrs. Stonewall, The USA in Color, Life at Happy Knoll, The Land of Stones and Saints, Dreamers of the American Dream)
A. J. Cronin (Complete Novel) , Harnett T. Kane (Complete Novel) , Editors of Holiday (An excerpt and photo feature) , John P. Marquand (Excerpt) , Frances Parkinson Keyes (Excerpt) , and Stewart H. Holbrook (Excerpt)
Manufacturer: Nelson Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JUK9LQ

Product Description

Good reading is one of life's great privileges. Books mean education to some, inspiration to others, entertainment to still others. Books have changed the lives of people, and have often changeed the course of history. Most people who read like to read a lot. The constand reader enjoys a variety of reading matter. That is why the Best-in-Books club has been formed by one of the most experienced, on of the most famous names in publishing, Nelson Doubleday. We are in a position to provide this varied reading fare -- at bargain prices.

Richard Corben's Den #1 (Dreams and Alarums)

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Richard Corben's Den #1 (Dreams and Alarums)
Richard Corben , Simon Revelstroke , and Stan Dresser
Manufacturer: Fantagor Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: B000UH4OE6

Product Description

Richard Corben's Den issue #1. Dreams and Alarums, Tank Command. Fantagor Press 1988. Color.

Customer Reviews:

Intriguing storyline, compelling historical background!.......2002-12-25

I'm new to V:tM but find myself swept away with a fervent intellectual passion for the material. If you're a hardcore gamer, a follower of vampire literature, interested in religious history, or simply like a well-written story - then this series will spark your interest. It takes place around the time of the Crusades and follows one possible backstory of the Knights Templars. You'll be introduced to the V:tM Vampire clan known as the Lasombra and an enigmatic duo(I will let you figure out who I'm referring to) which engage in a millenia encompassing fencing match of immortal chess. All sorts of questions come up in regards to Occult history, etc. It will entertain you and pose questions to those of us who have an open mind and an appetite for knowledge.

Vampire Blockbuster.......2000-09-01

This book of the Dark Ages series is one of the best and it speaks clearly of the vampires and quest for it's own needs. I recommend this to anyone.

An amazing historical fantasy.......1999-11-18

If you like vampires, fantasy and the crusades then this is the book for you. it is well written and has a great story line.

Interesting.......1998-06-26

I was pretty darned impressed with this book, I couldn't put it down. I was a little hesitant to pick up a book that was based on an RPG, but this proved to be a great story. The characters were auprisingly well developed and the flow of the storyline was outstanding.

The story is one of a power-crazed servant of the La Sombre clan that embarks on a quest to find the Holy Grail and return it to his master, Claudius Euginio, and bring power back to his clan. The historic relic was fabled to be protected beneath a mosque in the city of Jerusalem. The story shows how easily the brotherhood of the night can manipulate mortals to do as they wish. The ending left you with a few extra questions, but overall, it did a good job of setting you up for the second novel.

Montrovant...an interesting character filled with an overly arrogant nature for his kind. I loved the characters in this book. I have played all the White Wolf RPGs, and I love being able to follow the story that follows some of the legends of the RPG books. For those of you that haven't played White Wolf, do not fret - this novel is very easy to read as long as you do have a little bit of knowledge involving the vampire.

A genuinely entertaining, if at times cumbersome, read........1998-02-25

First off, Wilson exhibits a love for the English language that one rarely sees. He does amazing things with his sentences, but sometimes he runs on, and not in an effective way. These long, labrynthine sentences slow down the reader, but otherwise Wilson pulls you along, and the novel goes by smoothly. The story is interesting, especially if you're a World of Darkness fan (though I don't think it's required to enjoy it). Kli Kodesh is a great antagonist, and most of the book's best dialouge belongs to the dark Father Santos. All in all, I think "To Sift Through Bitter Ashes" is a book that is worth a look at: it's got an engaging story and fresh, creative writing. Check it out.

Florence: Authentic Recipes Celebrating the Foods of the World (Williams-Sonoma Foods of the World)
Average customer rating:

Excellent book on the food, cooking and culture of Florence

not only a cookbook...

Florence: Authentic Recipes Celebrating the Foods of the World (Williams-Sonoma Foods of the World)
Lori De Mori
Manufacturer: Oxmoor House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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Williams-Sonoma San Francisco: Authentic Recipes Celebrating the Foods of the World (Williams-Sonoma Foods of the World)

Williams-Sonoma New York: Authentic Recipes Celebrating the Foods of the World (Williams-Sonoma Foods of the World)

ASIN: 0848728556
Release Date: 2004-10-15

Book Description

An insider's guide to the recipes, ingredients, and traditions that define international city cuisine, the Foods of the World series is the definitive cookbook collection for anyone passionate about food and travel. Richly photographed, with over 45 authentic recipes and in-depth culinary features, each book brings readers closer to the best eating experiences each city has to offer from a culinary authority Americans trust.

In Florence, culinary artisans, bakers, winemakers and chefs are equally revered as masters of their crafts. From antipasti to dessert, the city's classic recipes include Ribollita, Grilled Florentine Steak, and Almond Biscotti.

Key Features:

* Bring Tuscan cuisine to your kitchen with well-loved recipes such as Bruschetta with White Beans and Olive Oil or Ricotta Ravioli with Fresh Tomatoes

* Read about how culinary practices such as pressing fresh olive oil, baking bread, and making wine have formed the foundation of Tuscan cuisine for centuries

* Discover recipes and tips from chefs at some of Florence's favorite trattorias, osterias, and restaurants

Customer Reviews:

Excellent book on the food, cooking and culture of Florence.......2006-05-02

This review is written from the perspective of someone that has been studying cooking for 25 years, and concentrating on Italian cooking for the last 10 years. I have more than 100 cookbooks on Italian cooking and have traveled to Italy many times. I am a tough critic on Italian cookbooks.

This book begins with a little history of Italian cooking, the outdoor markets and specialty shops in Florence. Then the book discusses the following topics from a Florentine perspective:
Salumi and Affettati (cured meat)
Tuscan Olive Oil
Cafes
Tuscan Wine
Artisan Bread
Artisan Cheese
Gelato

The recipe section is subdivided as follows:
Antipasti
Primi (first course: soup, pasta, pizza)
Secondi (second course: meat and fish
Contorni (side dishes: vegetables)
Dolci (sweets)

The photography i nbook is fabulous. They did a wonderful job of capturing what it is like to walk down the streets in Florence. As you turn the pages each new photo is another little peak into Florentine life and food. If you have traveled to Florence you will recognize many of the street scenes that were photographed.

The recipes are authentic. I am especially fond of the recipe for Grilled Florentine Steak with Arugula and Parmesan. Of the recipes that I have prepared (approximately 80% of the book) all have turned out exactly as I expected. A few of the recipes are time consuming. It is not reasonable to expect to make homemade pizza in a hurry, not if you want it to be excellent. The recipe for pizza makes individual pies for each diner, as is the custom in Italy.

If you are looking for a nice authentic cookbook on the cooking of Florence, written for Americans you will love this book. My only complaint is that the book left me wanting more photographs and more recipes. Overall, this is an excellent book for those that love Italian cooking or love Florence. A well executed book on the food, cooking and culture of Firenze.

not only a cookbook..........2006-03-24

This book is just great, besides the perfect recipes it has nice pictures from Florence. I've been there and first time I opened the book: lots of nice memories came to my mind. As a culinary aficionado I will strongly recommend this book for those who like to know more about this lovely city and it's amazing food.
I bought this book as a gift for a very special person and I know she will love it!

Average customer rating:

Not sure about this....

Not only a great dog trainer, but a wonderful human.

Excellent book!

Positive Puppy Training

POSITIVE PUPPY TRAINING WORKS - Don't buy a pup without it !

Positive Puppy Training Works
Joel Walton
Manufacturer: David & James Pubs
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Dogs | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies & Adult Dogs

ASIN: 0971866902

Customer Reviews:

Not sure about this...........2007-01-22

Some of the techniques in this book work and others are questionable. What they teach in this book does not work for every dog. Each dog is an individual just like a person, and different things work for different dogs. I think Cesar Millan's methods are much more effective in my opinion. This book does not dig very deep into dog psychology.

Not only a great dog trainer, but a wonderful human........2006-04-19

I've know Joel for 13 years, my husband and I purchased our first Lab puppy from Joel. We hired him to come to our house to train us to train her, what a life changing experience that was. This was the first positive puppy experience I've ever had, due to Joel working with our family. He knows what he is doing and is a great person. Keep up the good work.

Excellent book!.......2006-02-25

I thought this book was great for the new puppy owner to be. I bought this book over a month before my pup came home, and I read it twice or three times. I felt prepared for the arrival of my new pup, because of the good info this book provided. Teaches you several different ways to train your pup, all of which are POSITIVE methods. Highly recommend this book.

Positive Puppy Training.......2005-09-13

Book is easy to understand and has been helpful. Simple solutions for solving behavior problems.

POSITIVE PUPPY TRAINING WORKS - Don't buy a pup without it !.......2004-02-20

Puppyhood is a wonderful time, a time that can and should be thoroughly enjoyable for both owner and puppy. New owner's (and old ones, too) should set aside a few minutes daily to read and put into practice all the wonderful advice POSITIVE PUPPY TRAINING WORKS offers. The end result is almost a *given*...a dog that is well mannered and well balanced emotionally. In addition, your dog will be starting off on the correct path toward becoming your life long soul mate and partner with whom you are able to explore and share the wonderful world with.

As a certified professional family dog trainer and behavior counselor, even I find myself refering to POSITIVE PUPPY TRAINING WORKS. Sometimes you can't see futher than your nose,or you don't practice what you preach and desperately need someone, or some book, to put things in perspective...your book does just that. Thank you Joel Walton for another wonderful clearly written, easy to read and understandable book.

Customer Reviews:

A good start for new collectors........2000-04-28

Miller is well known in collector's circles for the Miller Guides. This small book is an excellent start for new Winton collectors, and a good resource for seasoned collectors.

While this book does quite a good job of listing a number of the sytles and patterns to be found within the Royal Winton range, its use as a price guide is VERY limited due to the fact that it is not a comprehensive guide.

All in all, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in collecting Winton.

Book Description

16 magnificent, full-color Art Nouveau plates by Gos and 60 illustrations based on elements from plates by Baldauski.

Book Description

Now anyone can change the look of their home in a day or less! This new series makes it easy with quick, inexpensive ideas perfect for readers decorating their homes for the first time. Each title is packed with practical advice and inspirational photos that illustrate 100 great design ideas.

Full-color spreads showcase each gorgeous finished project, while step-by-step instructions ensure their easy completion. Readers will also find "quick fix" pages throughout--ideas that can be used to improve the look of any room instantly, along with inspirations for giving every room a creative finishing touch. It's just what they need to make every last detail perfect.

Customer Reviews:

Lots of great ideas!.......2002-12-12

For what this book is intended, it delivers. The layout provides a colorful feast for the eyes, and the text is easy enough to follow for anyone who is new to tackling homemade projects. Additionally, materials used for the most part are inexpensive, common, easy to find items. I originally borrowed this book from my local public library but ended up enjoying it so much I plan to buy a copy of my own. The author's suggestions are very inspiring and I can't wait to get started. Such a small price to pay for so much creative fun!

Customer Reviews:

No one knows Morrison's work like herself.......2000-07-27

Toni Morrison was clearly ahead of her time -- look at her novels. Her interest in myth, history, a decentered narrator, racialized images of self, and aural language were well ahead of most critics and theorists, who are only now recognizing the full worth of her work. These collected interviews allow us to hear from the horse's mouth what her narrative project is. For Morrison fans, it is particularly interesting to see how the various white interviewers grapple with Morrison's insistence on writing about the culture she knows best -- black culture -- and not putting whites front and center. It is also interesting to see how Morrison herself switches positions throughout her career, from an insistence that she writes only for herself (early in her career) to writing for "the [black] tribe" (middle of her career)to writing for seemingly everybody (later career). A particular treat, for me, were references scattered throughout to how "prickly" Morrison can be and how catty she was about not being nominated for a National Book Award for SONG OF SOLOMON.

Important companion to Playing in the Dark.......1999-07-04

The interviews in this book illuminate the forces behind Morrison's scholarly theories about the role of race in American literature. Anyone who has read "Playing in the Dark: Whiteness and the Literary Imagination" will immediately recognize key themes in many of these interviews, although the strongest distinctions can be found in the last two interviews, each given after publication of "Playing in the Dark." Taken chronilogically, the interviews are a thrillling opportunity to observe how Morrison has evolved as a writer and a scholar. To me, it is clear her novels are a carefully crafted attempt to mirror the racialized signifying she identifies in her scholarly critiques of white writer's work.

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