Simple's Uncle Sam: With a New Introduction by Akiba Sullivan Harper (Paperback)
Description
Langston Hughes's most beloved character comes back to life in this extraordinary collection
Langston Hughes is best known as a poet, but he was also a prolific writer of theater, autobiography, and fiction. None of his creations won the hearts and minds of his readers as did Jesse B. Semple, better known as "Simple." Simple speaks as an Everyman for African Americans in Uncle Sam's America. With great wit, he expounds on topics as varied as women, Gospel music, and sports heroes--but always keeps one foot planted in the realm of politics and race. In recent years, readers have been able to appreciate Simple's situational humor as well as his poignant questions about social injustice in The Best of Simple and The Return of Simple. Now they can, once again, enjoy the last of Hughes's original Simple books.
About the Author
Langston Hughes (1902-67) was born in Joplin, Missouri, was educated at Lincoln University, and lived for most of his life in New York City. He is best known as a poet, but he also wrote novels, biography, history, plays, and children's books. Among his works are two volumes of memoirs, The Big Sea and I Wonder as I Wander, and two collections of Simple stories, The Best of Simple and The Return of Simple.
Akiba Sullivan Harper is a professor of English at Spelman College and the editor of The Return of Simple.
Praise For…
“If you haven't yet made Simple's acquaintance, I recommend that you do so through the medium of Simple's Uncle Sam. It is delightful reading.” —Robert Cromie, Chicago Tribune
“Mr. Hughes' Simple has delighted one generation and is now delighting another.” —The New York Times
“This book is loaded with chuckles--and with thought.” —The Los Angeles Herald Examiner