A Jean Toomer Reader: Selected Unpublished Writings - Softcover

Toomer, Jean

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195083296 ISBN 13: 9780195083293

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1993

Synopsis

Jean Toomer achieved instant recognition as a critic and thinker in 1923 with the publication of his novel Cane, a harsh, eloquent vision of black American hardship and suffering. But because of his reclusive, introspective nature, Toomer's fame waned in later years, and today his other contributions to American thought and literature are all but forgotten. Now, this collection of unpublished writings restores a crucial dimension to our understanding of this important African American author. Thematically arranging letters, sketches, poems, autobiography, short stories, a play, and a children's story, Frederik Rusch offers insight into Toomer's mind and spirituality, his feelings on racial identity in America, and his attitudes toward and ideas about Cane. Rusch highlights Toomer's reflections on America, its people, landscape, and politics, reveals his significance for the problems and issues of today, and helps us understand Toomer not only as writer, but also as social critic, prophet, mystic, and idealist. Exploring Toomer's attempts to find self-realization and transcend social and cultural definitions of race, this book offers a unique view of the United States through the life of one of its most significant and fascinating intellectuals.

About this title

About the Author

Frederik L. Rusch is at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195083296
• ISBN 13: 9780195083293
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 316
• Editor: Rusch Frederik L.