Playing in the Dark

Discover a new perspective on American literature's essential themes - freedom, individualism, innocence, and manhood - in this acclaimed work of literary criticism. Toni Morrison's brilliant reappraisal of iconic authors, from Poe to Hemingway, highlights the "Africanist" presence in their works and its role in shaping our literary tradition. With stylish prose and a keen artistic vision, this Pulitzer Prize-winning author ignites an important dialogue on race, identity, and what it means to be authentically American. Ideal for students, critics, and scholars of American literature, as well as Morrison admirers.