With contributions from major scholars of African American literature, history, and cultural studies, A Historical Guide to James Baldwin focuses on the four tumultous decades that defined the great author's life and art. Providing a comprehensive examination of Baldwin's varied body of work that includes short stories, novels, and polemical essays, this collection reflects the major events that left an indelible imprint on the iconic writer: civil rights, black nationalism and the struggle for gay rights in the pre- and post-Stonewall eras. The essays also highlight Baldwin's under-studied role as a trans-Atlantic writer, his lifelong struggle with faith, and his use of music, especially the blues, as a key to unlock the mysteries of his identity as an exile, an artist, and a black American in a racially hostile era.
Douglas Field
Douglas Field is a renowned scholar and author known for his expertise in American literature and culture. His most notable works include "All Those Strangers: The Art and Lives of James Baldwin" and "American Cold War Culture." Field's literary style is characterized by meticulous research and insightful analysis, shedding new light on the figures and events of American history. He has made significant contributions to the study of American literature, particularly in the areas of race, politics, and society. "All Those Strangers" is considered his most famous work, offering a comprehensive exploration of the life and work of James Baldwin. Field's impact on his literary genre is profound, as his scholarship continues to shape our understanding of American culture and its complexities.