Wright, Richard (Vol. 14) - Introduction

Wright, Richard 1908–1960

An American short story writer and novelist, Wright was praised for his early realistic portraits of the experiences, fears, and frustrations of southern blacks. Wright was a spokesman for black rights and beliefs, and his early work depicts a southern society that exhibits few outside influences. His later work, of which Native Son is an example, shows both broader scope and the author's philosophical movement from political naiveté to Marxist belief, and finally to an anti-Marxist attitude. (See also CLC, Vols. 1, 3, 4, 9.)