The Sport of the Gods - Softcover

Dunbar, Paul Laurence

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1614278261 ISBN 13: 9781614278269

Publisher: Martino Fine Books, 2015

Synopsis

2015 Reprint of 1902 Edition. Full facsimile of the original edition. Not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. In "The Sport of the Gods", first published in 1902, Dunbar examines the life of urban Black Americans. Forced to leave the South, a family falls apart amid the harsh realities of Northern inner city life in this examination of the forces that extinguish the dreams of African Americans. It remains a compelling commentary on the life of African-Americans after the abolition of slavery and landmark representation of black life in African-American literature.

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Review

"With the centennial of his death approaching next year, ''The Sport of the Gods" is both timely and necessary as the first book to compile the breadth of Dunbar's most important writings, including his short novel for which this volume is named....In these works, the stoic young man in the starched collar, as Dunbar often appeared in photographs, is a force of unbending intelligence and fiercely argued opinions. As a collection, ''The Sport of the Gods" broadens not only an appreciation of Dunbar's wide-ranging talents but underlines the wealth of potential lost when Dunbar succumbed to tuberculosis when he was only 33." -- Boston Globe"This vital repackaging of Dunbar's works, ably edited by Shelley Fisher Fishkin and David Bradley, will undoubtedly help restore his work to the stature it merits...the editors have assiduously culled fine examples of [Dunbar's] prose to supplement the poetry included here... Fishkin and Bradley's robust introductions to each section...are written in smart, accessible language...Even more valuable are the essays included here. They are indeed essential if Dunbar is to be properly assessed as a writer." -- Washington Post Book World A star in the nation s literary firmament . . . and the greatest African American poet before the Harlem Renaissance. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. This Dunbar edition is likely to become the central one for teachers and students alike. Werner Sollors, professor of English literature and African and African American studies, Harvard University This superb collection of Paul Laurence Dunbar s writings finally brings together in one volume his essential poetry, fiction, and journalism, revealing his extraordinary talents as a writer. John Stauffer, professor of English and History of American Civilization, Harvard University"

About the Author

Paul Laurence Dunbar (June 27, 1872 – February 9, 1906) was an African-American poet, novelist, and playwright of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Much of his popular work in his lifetime used a Negro dialect, which helped him become one of the first nationally-accepted African-American writers. Much of his writing, however, does not use dialect; these more traditional poems have become of greater interest to scholars.

About this edition

• Publisher: Martino Fine Books
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1614278261
• ISBN 13: 9781614278269
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 124