Langston Hughes and the Blues [Paperback]

Steven C. Tracy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 17, 2001

"Drawing on a deep understanding of the shades and structures of the blues, Steven C. Tracy elucidates the vital relationship between this musical form and the art of Langston Hughes, preeminent poet of the Harlem Renaissance. Tracy provides a cultural context for the poet's work and shows how Hughes mined African-American oral and literary traditions to create his blues-inspired poetry. Through a detailed comparison of Hughes's poems to blues texts, Tracy demonstrates how the poetics, structures, rhythms, and musical techniques of the blues are reflected in Hughes's experimental forms. The volume also includes a discography of recordings by the blues artists - Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and others - who most influenced Hughes, updated in a new introduction by the author."

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Tracy's book has been an important source for my study and teaching of Hughes's work since it first appeared... This edition has an excellent introduction ... that informs us of newer sources... An entertaining read."-- Steve West, Arkansas Review "Steven Tracy knows very well both the blues and Langston Hughes's poetry. His study leaves us with a far better understanding of the role of black music, and the blues in particular, as the central influence on the most original of black American poets." -- Arnold Rampersad, author of The Life of Langston Hughes "[Tracy's] study inspires a close and unsentimental look at this rich and enduring form and a deep and continuing questioning of its possibilities for more formal expression." - John McCluskey Jr., American Literature "Nowhere else has anyone revealed such a comprehensive knowledge of blues forms, lyrics, and performers when discussing Hughes's works... This is an essential book for all libraries and for all readers interested in the blues and/or Langston Hughes." - Richard N. Albert, Small Press "This useful study initiates a new phase of scholarship on Langston Hughes... Tracy's study establishes a high standard for future scholars of a major American writer. " -- Craig H. Werner, Choice "Thought-provoking... Explores the relationship between the famous African American poet's writings and the lyrics and rhythms of early blues. The book also provides a wealth of information on pre-war blues." -- Kevin Toelle, Illinois Entertainer

From the Inside Flap

"Tracy knows very well both the blues and Langston Hughes's poetry. His study leaves us with a far better understanding of the role of black music, and the blues in particular, as the central influence on the most original of black American poets." -- Arnold Rampersad, author of The Life of Langston Hughes

Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: University of Illinois Press (May 17, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0252069854
• ISBN-13: 978-0252069857
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,098,495 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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