Originally published in 1938, Richard Wright's first book was a collection of novellas, each concerning an aspect of Black people's lives in the post-slavery era, exploring their resistance to racism and oppression. Included here are "Big Boy Leaves Home," "Down by the Riverside," "Long Black Song," "Fire and Cloud," and "Bright and Morning Star," plus the biographical essay, "The Ethics of Jim Crow."

"A formidable and lasting contribution to American literature."—Chicago Tribune