A Jean Toomer Reader

Jean Toomer achieved instant recognition as a critic and thinker in 1923 with the publication of his novelCane 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 Now this collection of unpublished writings restores a crucial dimension to our understanding of this important African American author.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 aboutCane. 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.