
2002
First Published
3.82
Average Rating
240
Number of Pages
African Americans have been at war with certain elements of the white population from the very beginning. Being black in this hemisphere is a battle, and each day is one spent at the front. In this new collection of essays, his first since Airing Dirty Laundry (1993), Ishmael Reed explores the many forms that this homefront war has taken. His brilliant social criticism feints deftly among past and present, government and media, personal and political. From the author whose essay style has been compared to the punching power of boxers Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali, this book is a series of fast, powerful jabs at America's long tradition of racism."Reed wears the mantle of Baldwin and Ellison like a high-powered Flip Wilson in drag."—Baltimore Sun"Ishmael Reed is a genius."—Terry McMillan"The sweep of his work has both grandeur and genius, and even when you disagree with him, he has you laughing, often at yourself. His always-provocative writing has humanity, humor, power, and vision. A true original."—Jill Nelson
Avg Rating
3.82
Number of Ratings
45
5 STARS
29%
4 STARS
31%
3 STARS
36%
2 STARS
2%
1 STARS
2%
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Author

Ishmael Reed
Author · 32 books
Ishmael Scott Reed is an American poet, essayist, and novelist. A prominent African-American literary figure, Reed is known for his satirical works challenging American political culture, and highlighting political and cultural oppression. Reed has been described as one of the most controversial writers. While his work has often sought to represent neglected African and African-American perspectives, his energy and advocacy have centered more broadly on neglected peoples and perspectives irrespective of their cultural origins.