Love and loyalty in the heyday of the 1930's Harlem renaissance, a tale set to a bubbling jazz score, won rave reviews Off Broadway. The downtown mob is threatening to take over the uptown numbers game. Only Hamlet Hitchcock Jones, known as Little Ham, stands in their way. A smooth operator with big dreams and fast feet, he rallies his neighbors and wins his lady love.

The sixteen volumes are published with the goal that Hughes pursued throughout his lifetime: making his books available to the people. Each volume will include a biographical and literary chronology by Arnold Rampersad, as well as an introduction by a Hughes scholar lume introductions will provide contextual and historical information on the particular work.

Five plays representing Hughes' dramatic writing over a period of forty years.

In The Development of Black Theater in America, Leslie Sanders examines the work of the American black theater’s five most productive playwrights: Willis Richardson, Randolph Edmonds, Langston Hughes, LeRoi Jones, and Ed Bullins. Sanders sees the history of black theater as the process of creating a “black stage reality” while at the same time transforming conventions borrowed from white European culture into forms appropriate to black artists and audiences. The author argues that only when these things were accomplished could the aim of black playwrights, often articulated as “the realistic portrayal of the Negro,” be fully realized. This study also examines the changing nature of the dialogue black playwrights have held with the dominant tradition and how that dialogue has shaped their imaginations. Sanders’ discussion of Richardson, Edmonds, Hughes, Jones, and Bullins provides a context for approaching the work of other black playwrights, such as James Baldwin, Lorraine Hansberry, and Owen Dodson. And her argument provides a concrete way of understanding how the context of a dominant culture influences the artistic imagination of writers not of that culture, who must come to terms with its influences and transform it into a vehicle of their own.

"Heretofore scholars have not been willing—perhaps, even been unable for many reasons both academic and personal—to identify much of the Harlem Renaissance work as same-sex oriented. . . . An important book." —Jim Elledge This groundbreaking study explores the Harlem Renaissance as a literary phenomenon fundamentally shaped by same-sex-interested men. Christa Schwarz focuses on Countée Cullen, Langston Hughes, Claude McKay, and Richard Bruce Nugent and explores these writers' sexually dissident or gay literary voices. The portrayals of men-loving men in these writers' works vary significantly. Schwarz locates in the poetry of Cullen, Hughes, and McKay the employment of contemporary gay code words, deriving from the Greek discourse of homosexuality and from Walt Whitman. By contrast, Nugent—the only "out" gay Harlem Renaissance artist—portrayed men-loving men without reference to racial concepts or Whitmanesque codes. Schwarz argues for contemporary readings attuned to the complex relation between race, gender, and sexual orientation in Harlem Renaissance writing.

This book offers an entry point for understanding the comprehensive way this uniquely American artistic form has influenced literature, art, film, and other art forms, while also providing a cultural space for political commentary or social critique.

Step into the enchanting world of theater with Edward John Dunsany's captivating collection, "Five Plays." This anthology showcases Dunsany's remarkable ability to blend fantasy and drama, inviting readers to experience stories that transcend the ordinary. As you immerse yourself in these theatrical gems, consider this: What if the stage can transport you to realms beyond your imagination? Each play unfolds with rich characters and fantastical elements, creating a mesmerizing journey through the mind of a master storyteller.But here’s the twist that will ignite your curiosity: Can a single play challenge your perception of reality? Dunsany’s works often blur the lines between the real and the surreal, prompting audiences to question their understanding of the world around them. Engage with Dunsany's lyrical prose and vivid imagination, where each play is a unique exploration of themes such as love, fate, and the human condition. This collection is perfect for theater enthusiasts, literature lovers, and anyone seeking a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling. Are you ready to experience the magic of the stage? Open the pages of "Five Plays" and discover the brilliance of Edward John Dunsany’s theatrical artistry!Enjoy short, impactful paragraphs that draw you into fantastical narratives, making each reading a delightful adventure. This is not just a collection of plays; it’s an invitation to witness the transformative power of drama. Your journey into the world of theatrical magic begins now! Don’t miss your chance to own this extraordinary collection. Purchase "Five Plays" today and let your imagination take flight!