Zora Neale Hurston: Harlem Renaissance Writer (Essential Lives)

Discusses the life and achievements of Zora Neale Hurston, discussing her childhood, education, family, and influence.

"Many readers will only know Leonardo da Vinci as the artist of the Mona Lisa when they open this book, but they will likely finish it with a greater sense of interest and intrigue about him. The author includes discussions of not only the man as an artist but also as scientist, teacher, and philosopher. His life is put into historical context with brief mentions of wars and political turnovers that affected his work and commissions. The last chapter, "Leonardo's Legacy," stands out as his achievements are put into context for those who may not comprehend what the past has to do with the world today..."

.,."this readable biography further amplifies Wilder's life and correlates it with her books...[it] does not gloss over the difficult life faced by pioneers in the latter half of the 19th century and includes events that Wilder deemed too difficult for young readers...The many sidebars expand the text and provide facts...This volume is packed with relevant material, a time line, archival photographs, quotes from primary sources, and an official Web site."