From Book News, Inc.
Surveys the work by and about the Afro-American writer Himes (1909- 84), best known for his Harlem detective series, who pursued his career as an expatriot in Paris. Identifies the first and second editions of his novels in France, Britain, and the US, the first appearance of short stories in periodicals, collected fiction, and nonfiction; also includes manuscript material and film adaptations. The secondary bibliography cites and describes critical and biographical studies 1945-90. Indexed only by author and title. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

Book Description
Exhaustively researched and well constructed, this comprehensive bibliography clears up mysteries and misconceptions about the work of this important African- American writer known especially for his Harlem series of detective novels, written in France where he lived as an expatriate. The primary bibliography identifies all U.S., French, and British first and second editions of Himes's novels, the first appearances of his short stories in periodicals, his collected fiction, and his nonfiction. It includes manuscript materials and film adaptations. The annotated secondary bibliography documents biographial and critical work about Himes published in the United States, Britain, and France. The volume introduction outlines Himes's life and career and provides a realistic evaluation of his critical reception based on the secondary bibliography.

About the Author
MICHEL FABRE is a full professor of the faculty of La Sorbonne Nuvelle, Paris, and is director of Le Centre d'Etudes Afro-Americaines. ROBERT E. SKINNER, is University Librarian at Xavier University of Louisiana, in New Orleans and a frequent writer on the history and development of the American hard-boiled detective tale. LESTER SULLIVAN is the University Archivist at Xavier University of Louisiana.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Exhaustively researched and well constructed, this comprehensive bibliography clears up mysteries and misconceptions about the work of this important African- American writer known especially for his Harlem series of detective novels, written in France where he lived as an expatriate. The primary bibliography identifies all U.S., French, and British first and second editions of Himes's novels, the first appearances of his short stories in periodicals, his collected fiction, and his nonfiction. It includes manuscript materials and film adaptations. The annotated secondary bibliography documents biographial and critical work about Himes published in the United States, Britain, and France. The volume introduction outlines Himes's life and career and provides a realistic evaluation of his critical reception based on the secondary bibliography.

SYNOPSIS

An exhaustive volume clears up misconceptions about critical reception of an important African-American writer, Chester Himes.

FROM THE CRITICS

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