The Critical Response to Richard Wright

(Hardback)

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Richard Wright is widely recognized as one of the most important African-American writers and as a significant 20th-century author. With the publication of Native Son in 1940, Wright established his enduring reputation as a man of letters. With the immense critical success of Native Son, Wright went on to author Black Boy, The Outsider, and Eight Men. His writings reflect his experiences growing up in the poverty and racial strife of the South, and his thoughts on major social issues. This volume traces the critical reception of Wright's major works, from the publication of Native Son to the present day. An introductory chapter overviews the critical response to his writings, while two biographical chapters discuss his writings in relation to his life. Sections are then devoted to Native Son, Black Boy, and The Outsider. Each of these sections presents reviews and articles reflecting the best criticism of Wright's works. A final section, Richard Wright Today, offers contemporary assessments of Wright's reputation, as well as fascinating discussions of the recent Library of America editions of his works.

Reviews

.,."a carefully documented--and selective--review of the criticism of four of Wright's works: Native Son, Black Boy, The Outsider, and Eight Men. Of particular value are Butler's careful evaluation of the shifts in the critical responses to Richard Wright over time and the final section, "Richard Wright Today," which discusses the controversy triggered by the publication of the Library of America editions of Wright's work. Will be particularly useful for general readers and nonspecialists who seek a deeper understanding of the scope of Wright's career. Public and academic collections at all levels."-Choice
...a carefully documented--and selective--review of the criticism of four of Wright's works: Native Son, Black Boy, The Outsider, and Eight Men. Of particular value are Butler's careful evaluation of the shifts in the critical responses to Richard Wright over time and the final section, "Richard Wright Today," which discusses the controversy triggered by the publication of the Library of America editions of Wright's work. Will be particularly useful for general readers and nonspecialists who seek a deeper understanding of the scope of Wright's career. Public and academic collections at all levels.-Choice
..."a carefully documented--and selective--review of the criticism of four of Wright's works: Native Son, Black Boy, The Outsider, and Eight Men. Of particular value are Butler's careful evaluation of the shifts in the critical responses to Richard Wright over time and the final section, "Richard Wright Today," which discusses the controversy triggered by the publication of the Library of America editions of Wright's work. Will be particularly useful for general readers and nonspecialists who seek a deeper understanding of the scope of Wright's career. Public and academic collections at all levels."-Choice

Author Bio

ROBERT J. BUTLER is Professor of English at Canisius College, where he is also Director of College Honors. He has published numerous articles on African-American literature and contemporary American authors.