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Introduction

Richard Wright

Richard Wright is best known for his controversial novels as well as his troubled life. Wright’s first story was published when he was just 15. His difficulties began in Chicago when he joined the John Reed Club, which was mainly run by communists. He was eventually denounced by both communists and African Americans who thought he acted too “white.” Wright’s most famous novel is Native Son, which has been criticized for its violent themes. Wright also wrote the influential autobiographies Black Boy and American Hunger. During his later years, Wright moved to Paris and became a French citizen. He wrote about many of his experiences abroad and always retained his far-left political views. 

Essential Facts

1. Native Son was the first book by an African American author to be chosen as a Book of the Month Club selection.
2. Near the end of his life, Wright discovered a strong interest in haiku and wrote over four thousand of the short poems.
3. Many parts of Wright’s books that were deemed too controversial because of violence, sexuality, and politics were cut in the original publications. In 1991, they were rereleased in restored versions.
4. Wright got dysentery in 1957 and suffered from ill health until his death in 1960. His daughter insists that he was murdered.
5. Wright was asked to join the Congress for Cultural Freedom, but he declined due to his ties to the CIA, which had him under surveillance for many years.