The Essays of Ishmael Reed (Masterplots II: African American Literature Series)
At a glance:
- Author: Ishmael Reed
- First Published: 1978
- Type of Work: Essays
- Genres: Nonfiction, Essays
- Subjects: African Americans, Culture, Politics, Racism, Literature, Religion, Ethnic relations, Multiculturalism, Acculturation, Criticism, Wit or humor
Though one of the best known contemporary American writers of both poetry and fiction, Ishmael Reed has created the greatest controversy with his efforts in the genre of the essay. Beginning with his first published collection of essays, Shrovetide in Old New Orleans (1978), containing pieces from the early and mid 1970’s, Reed utilizes his talent for both satire and humor that led one writer in The Nation to compare him to Mark Twain. By refusing to argue from any one limited cultural or political paradigm, Reed has criticized, and been criticized by, all sides of the...
[The entire page is 2958 words long]
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