In a Minor Chord

In the midst of new estimations of Afro-American writers Darwin Turner’s book is a landmark. In this brief but comprehensive introduction to the works of three black writers—Jean Toomer, Countee Cullen, and Zora Neale Hurston—he discusses the difficulties experienced by black writers not only in predominantly white society but also among blacks. His analysis of their careers and of their major works provides valuable insights into the state of black writing.

Darwin T. Turner is Professor of English, University of Michigan, and Chairman of the NCTE Committee on Literature of Minority Groups.