Langston Hughes: The Harlem Renaissance (Writers and Their Works)

"A biography of writer Langston Hughes that describes his era, his major works--especially his most famous and influential prose and poetry, his life, and and the legacy of his writing"--Provided by publisher.

Both scholarly and highly accessible, this in-depth literary biography of landmark writer Hughes discusses his life, times, and lasting significance and then analyzes his individual works in considerable detail. Part of the Writers and their Works series, the book benefits from an uncluttered design, visuals that often fill an entire page, and the inclusion of several of the great poems in their entirety. Hughes’ personal story is followed by a section on his important role in the culture and politics of the Harlem Renaissance. Most of the book’s content, however, is devoted to literary analysis of Hughes’ writings—poetry, prose, and drama—with chapter-by-chapter plot summaries and analyses of themes. Extensive back matter includes a very detailed bibliography of Hughes’ work, with source notes, a chronology, and suggestions for further reading. College-level researchers may want this, too. Grades 8-12. --Hazel Rochman