Langston Hughes' Collected Poems (Vintage Classics)

The definitive sampling of a writer whose poems were "at the forefront of the Harlem Renaissance and of modernism itself, and today are fundamentals of American culture" (OPRAH Magazine) is presented in this book. Lyrical and pungent, passionate and polemical, the result is a treasure of a book, the essential collection of a poet whose words have entered our common language. Here, for the first time, are all the poems that Langston Hughes published during his lifetime, arranged in the general order in which he wrote them.

The collection spans five decades, and is comprised of 868 poems (nearly 300 of which never before appeared in book form) with annotations by Arnold Rampersad and David Roessel. Alongside such famous works as "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" and Montage of a Dream Deferred, The Collected Poems includes Hughes's lesser-known verse for children; topical poems distributed through the Associated Negro Press; and poems such as "Goodbye Christ" that were once suppressed.

This comprehensive collection offers a profound and multifaceted exploration of Langston Hughes' poetic genius. From his early works that captured the essence of the Harlem Renaissance, to his later poems that grappled with the complexities of American identity and social justice, this anthology showcases the breadth and depth of Hughes' literary contributions.

By presenting his poems in chronological order, readers are invited to witness the evolution of Hughes' style and thematic concerns over the course of his prolific career. The inclusion of previously unpublished or lesser-known works further enriches our understanding of this seminal figure in American poetry.

Rampersad and Roessel's insightful annotations provide valuable context, illuminating the historical, cultural, and personal influences that shaped Hughes' poetic voice. Through their meticulous curation and analysis, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances and complexities inherent in Hughes' oeuvre.

This definitive collection stands as a testament to Langston Hughes' enduring legacy and his profound impact on American literature. It is a must-read for scholars, students, and poetry enthusiasts alike, offering a comprehensive and authoritative exploration of one of the most significant voices in the canon of American poetry.

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