Zora Neale Hurston and American Literary Culture - by M Genevieve West (Paperback)

About the Book

Taking a close look at Zora Neale Hurston's historical and literary contexts, this book investigates
why Hurston's writing fell out of favor during her lifetime only to be reclaimed and appreciated
years after her death.

Book Synopsis

Taking a close look at Zora Neale Hurston's historical and literary contexts, this book investigates
why Hurston's writing fell out of favor during her lifetime only to be reclaimed and appreciated
years after her death.

Review Quotes

"Heretofore,
understanding of Hurston's reputation and reception has been based primarily on
opinion. This important volume supplants opinion with substantive, detailed
facts. . . . Highly recommended."--Choice

"A
unique contribution to Hurston scholarship, this volume is the first to focus
on the reception and marketing history of the tumultuous career and legacy of
the widely known Harlem Renaissance author who fell into virtual obscurity
until her reclamation in the 1970s."--American Literature

"West
argues persuasively that Hurston's determination to pursue her own goals as an
author conflicted with the expectations for her work among both white and Black
readers."--National Women's Studies Association
Journal

"[An]
altogether exemplary study of America's changing literary climate and its
repercussions for the life and the literary status of one writer."--Southern Literary Journal