Ernest J. Gaines (Cyclopedia of World Authors)
Ernest James Gaines is one of the most accomplished storytellers among contemporary American writers of the South. The oldest of twelve children, he was born on River Lake Plantation near Oscar, Louisiana, to Manuel and Adrienne (Colar) Gaines. His parents worked as laborers on the plantation, and by age nine Gaines was also working in the fields, chopping cane for fifty cents a day. Gaines spent much of his early childhood with his aunt, Miss Augusteen Jefferson, whose inability to walk did not prevent her from providing for the boy. His aunt’s strength and courage amid adversity had...
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