Poetry From The Masters: The Pioneers

Edited By Wade Hudson

Illustrations By Stephan Hudson

Surveying more than 200 years of poetic creativity in Black America, Poetry from the Masters: The Pioneers introduces the work of early Black poets who helped to establish an African-American poetic tradition. Readers will explore the poetry of eleven talented women and men, including Phillis Wheatley, Francis Ellen Harper, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and Countee Cullen. Poems are complemented by a biography that discusses the scope and content of each writer's work, as well as his or her historical significance and impact on the literary world.

Reading Level: Ages 9-12; Paperback: 88 Pages

Reviews

This book is a welcome addition because it focuses on a particular group of black poets, trailblazers who forged a path by overcoming almost impossible obstacles. Hudson puts these writers in perspective and provides a social and literary context. Eleven poets are profiled, starting with Phillis Wheatley and ending with Gwendolyn Brooks. All of these individuals carved out a literary niche for themselves that pointed the way for later black poets. Each writer is introduced with a brief biographical sketch that highlights his or her literary significance and contributions, followed by the full text of two or more poems. By providing several selections, the editor gives readers the opportunity to better appreciate each poet's style and themes. Sepia-toned portraits of the artists and scenes from selected poems appear throughout. This is an excellent resource for students seeking research materials or just looking for wonderful examples of poetry to read. School Library Journal