Description
Book SynopsisIt is widely accepted that the canon of African American literature has racial realism at its core. This book aims to show that some celebrated African American authors, such as James Baldwin and Toni Morrison, have resisted this canonical rule. It also presents sixteen short stories and novelettes to demonstrate this act of literary defiance.
Trade Review"These complex works of ‘literary defiance,’ each incisively analyzed, add up to a genuinely mind-expanding collection." * Booklist *
"This fine volume stands out as an authoritative sampler of canon-defying literature . . . Well-organized, accessible, and free of entangling notes, this reader is a great choice for anyone interested in African American literature." * Choice *
"A critically balanced reader featuring raceless Black literature. . . . The author pairs each literature selection with a critical research essay written by an impressive representation of many of the leading scholars of African American literature. These essays are succinct, interesting, informative, and necessary introductions to each author's work." * Journal of African American Studies *
"This valuable collection demonstrates that black writing need not be a direct transcription of African American experience. It also indicates that the critical conversation around African American literature addresses an ambitious research agenda that includes evaluating what we mean by gender, class, sexuality, and whiteness when we speak of or represent race. . . . A fruitful beginning." * MELUS *
"As intriguing as it is provocative, this volume requires us to probe the reasons why these texts or authors have been red-lined from the canons of both American literature and African American literature. Bravo to Jarrett and his all-star cast of contributors for helping us re-imagine our literary heritage in fresh and constructive ways!" -- Shelley Fisher Fishkin,Department of English, Stanford University
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction: "Not Necessarily Race Matter" Part I: Postbellum Period,1865-19001 Frank J. Webb2 Frances Ellen Watkins Harper 3 Paul Laurence DunbarPart II: Between the World Wars,1919-19404 Nella Larsen 5 Jean Toomer 6 Wallace Thurman Part III: After World War II,1945-19607 Frank Yerby 8 Ann Petry 9 Zora Neale Hurston 10 Chester B. Himes 11 Richard Wright 12 James Baldwin 13 Samuel R. Delany 14 Toni Morrison 15 Octavia E. Butler Select Bibliography About the ContributorsIndex
