Paperback Edition
ISBN: 9781558610040
Publication Date: 05-01-1990

Edited by Maryemma Graham
Preface by Maryemma Graham
Introduction by Maryemma Graham

In this first comprehensive collection of autobiographical and literary essays, Margaret Walker—described by Booklist as “one of the intellectual beacons of her generation”—recounts the search for family and social history from which she wrote her carefully researched novel of the Civil War. The autobiographical essays reflect on her work and her life as an artist, an African American, and a woman, while the literary essays examine the writings of such giants as Richard Wright, W. E. B. DuBois, Phillis Wheatley, and others.

"A powerful social history and a serious study of black American literature." —Kirkus

"[Margaret Walker is] one of the intellectual beacons of her generation." —Booklist

"Margaret Walker is one of the great creators and teachers of literature. This new collection will be required reading for American intellectuals." —Amiri Baraka, poet, playwright, and critic

"In this collection of personal essays and criticism, Margaret Walker reveals the passion of a poet, the mind of a scholar, and the clarity of a sage." —Paula Giddings, author of When and Where I Enter