Synopsis
A timeless collection of aphorisms by the acclaimed author of Cane, one of the most important books of the twentieth century, Essentials challenges us to consider our search for wholeness and connection with one another in an age of fragmentation, alienation, and exploitation. Destined to become a cult classic, it is inspired by Toomer's study under Gurdjieff and framed by a unique blending of Eastern spirituality and modern psychology. It includes reflections on topics ranging from the dangers of an industrial (and technological) age to the failure of modern religious and educational institutions. Above all, the brilliance set forth in Essentials affirms Toomer's position as America's true African American pioneering genius.
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Review
"A pioneering genius." -- Charles Johnson, National Book Award winner for Middle Passage
"Essential reading." -- Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
"Fresh and catalytic." -- Coleman Barks, The Essential Rumi
"The soul manifesto of a remarkable writer and thinker." -- Kevin Powell, author of Keepin' It Real and star of MTV's The Real World
About the Author
Jean Toomer (1894-1967) was an American poet, novelist, and playwright. His modernist work Cane was an inspiration for many African American authors.
Rudolph P. Byrd (Ph.D. Yale University) is the Goodrich C. White Professor of American Studies in the Graduate Institute of the Liberal Arts and the Department of African American Studies and the founding director of the James Weldon Johnson Institute for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies at Emory University. He is the author and editor of ten books, including "Jean Toomer s Years with Gurdjieff"; "Essentials by Jean Toomer with Charles Johnson"; " Charles Johnson s Novels: Writing the American Palimpsest"; "The Essential Writings of James Weldon Johnson"; and with "Alice Walker The World Has Changed: Conversations with Alice Walker". Among Professor Byrd s awards and fellowships are an Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship at Harvard University; Visiting Scholar at the Bellagio Study and Conference Center; and the Thomas Jefferson Award from Emory University. He is a founding officer of the Alice Walker Literary Society.
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Essentials
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Athens: University of Georgia Press, 1991, 1991
ISBN 10: 0820313335
ISBN 13: 9780820313337
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: Atlantic Bookshop, Brooklyn, NY, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: As New. Dust Jacket Condition: As New. 1st Edition. 8vo, cloth, dust jacket, 64pp. A SEALED and AS NEW copy. Seller Inventory # ATLJTERPBGCN