The Harlem Reader: A Celebration of New York's Most Famous Neighborhood, from the Renaissance Years to the 21st Century

The Harlem Reader: A Celebration of New York's Most Famous Neighborhood, from the Renaissance Years to the 21st CenturyThere is no neighborhood in America as famous, infamous, and inspiring as Harlem. From its humble beginnings as a farming district and country retreat for the rich, Harlem grew to international prominence as the mecca of black art and culture, then fell from grace, despised as a crime ridden slum and symbol of urban decay. But during all of these phases there was writing in Harlem great writing that sprang from one of the richest and most unique

There is no neighborhood in America as famous, infamous, and inspiring as Harlem. From its humble beginnings as a farming district and country retreat for the rich, Harlem grew to international prominence as the mecca
of black art and culture, then fell from grace, despised as a crime-ridden slum and symbol of urban decay. But during all of these phases there was writing in Harlem--great writing that sprang from one of the richest and most unique communities in the world. From Harlem's most revered icons (like Langston Hughes, Duke Ellington, Ann Petry, and Malcolm X) to voices of a new generation (including Willie Perdomo, Mase, Grace Edwards, and Piri Thomas), The Harlem Reader gathers a wealth of vital impressions, stories, and narratives and blends them with original accounts offered by living storytellers, famous and not so famous. Fresh and vivid, this volume perfectly captures the dramatic moments and personalities at the core of Harlem's ever-evolving story.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Three Rivers Press (CA)
Published: 05/13/2003
ISBN: 9781400046812
Pages: 336
Weight: 0.97lbs
Size: 8.64h x 5.47w x 0.88d

Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 03/01/2003 pg. 347
Black Issues Book Review 05/01/2003 pg. 50
Booklist 04/15/2003 pg. 1445
Kliatt 09/01/2003 pg. 31
Publishers Weekly 04/15/2003
Library Journal 04/15/2003