Synopses & Reviews
"Reflects the inner journey of an extraordinary writer over 25 years of struggle. It teaches us, not yet at the end, to cherish and celebrate life."-WOMEN'S REVIEW OF BOOKS
In her preface to this collection Alice Walker expresses surprise that she has been writing poetry for more than a quarter of a century-since the summer of 1965 when she traveled to East Africa and began writing the poems that would form her first volume. Here, in an inspiring compilation of her earlier poetry, Walker offers a historical perspective on the political and spiritual issues spanning three decades of injustice, perseverance, and hope. Revelatory introductions to each group of poems become essential threads in the tapestry that is Alice Walker, tightly weaving a special insight into the evolving consciousness of one of the most remarkable and provocative literary voices of our time.
Alice Walker is the author of seven novels, three collections of short stories, three collections of essays, seven volumes of poetry, and several children's books. Her novel The Color Purple won both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, and her work has been translated into more than two dozen languages. Born in Eatonton, Georgia, Walker lives in northern California.
Synopsis
This anthology represents Alice Walkers complete earlier poetry,
from the summer of 1965 when she traveled to East Africa and
began the poems that would form her first collection, through her
poetry of the civil rights movement and beyond. Revelatory introductions
to each group of poems provide a special insight into the evolving
consciousness of one of the most remarkable and provocative literary
minds of our time.
Synopsis
Walkers complete poems, including new and previously unpublished verse, collected for the first time-with authors notes that provide historical perspective on spiritual and political issues of the last three decades. This title has been selected as a Common Core Text Exemplar (Grades 9-10, Poetry)
About the Author
Alice Walker won the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the American Book Award for her novel The Color Purple, which was preceded by The Third Life of Grange Copeland and Meridian. Her other bestselling novels include By the Light of My Father's Smile, Possessing the Secret of Joy and The Temple of My Familiar. She is also the author of two collections of short stories, three collections of essays, five volumes of poetry and several children's books. Her books have been translated into more than two dozen languages. Born in Eatonton, Georgia, Walker now lives in Northern California.