native son
first edition, 1940.
published in 1940, “native son” launched richard wright into literary stardom. structured like a crime thriller, the novel follows the aftermath of a young black man’s accidental killing of a wealthy white woman on chicago's south Side. through the protagonist, bigger thomas, the story conveys the crushing despair imposed by poverty and systemic racism as he faces trial. famously, james baldwin criticized wright’s portrayal in his essay “everybody’s protest novel” from notes of a “native son”, arguing that wright perpetuated the stereotype of the “angry black man” through bigger.
wright completed the novel with support from a guggenheim fellowship, and after publication, it was selected by the book-of-the-month club. Its financial success made wright one of the most prominent and prosperous black writers of his time. despite its acclaim, native son has consistently faced censorship challenges in public schools and libraries.
new york: harper and brothes. hardcover. book condition: owner book plate. near fine. jacket condition: mild fading to spine, very mild chips to spine, some shelfwear. very good ++. Item #205
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