John Edgar Wideman Book order

Fifty-seven short stories drawn from past collections celebrate the lifelong significance of this major American writer's essential contribution to a form--illuminating the ways that he has made it his own.

A stunning collection of all new stories from the twice winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award - essential reading for understanding the state of America today

Reproduction of the original: The Boy Crusaders by John G. Edgar

The new international prizewinning non-fiction from John Edgar Wideman, one of the standout black American writers of the modern age and winner of the 2017 Prix Femina Etranger

The new story collection from MacArthur Fellow John Edgar Wideman - exploring subjects from the imagined to the historical and personal

“A rare triumph” (The New York Times Book Review), this powerful memoir about the divergent paths taken by two brothers is a classic work from one of the greatest figures in American literature: a reflection on John Edgar Wideman’s family and his brother’s incarceration—a classic that is as relevant now as when originally published in 1984. A “brave and brilliant” (The Philadelphia Inquirer) portrait of lives arriving at different destinies, the classic John Edgar Wideman memoir, Brothers and Keepers, is a haunting portrait of two brothers—one an award-winning writer, the other a fugitive wanted for a robbery that resulted in a murder. Wideman recalls the capture of his younger brother, Robby, details the subsequent trials that resulted in a sentence of life in prison, and provides vivid views of the American prison system. A gripping, unsettling account, Brothers and Keepers weighs the bonds of blood, affection, and guilt that connect Wideman and his brother and measures the distance that lies between them. “If you care at all about brotherhood and dignity…this is a must-read book” (The Denver Post). With a new afterword by his brother Robert Wideman, recently released after more than fifty years in prison.

Exploring the interplay between fiction and reality, this book delves into the artist's creative process, emphasizing that impactful writing stems from personal fears and significant experiences. It suggests that writing serves as a coping mechanism, transforming potentially destructive emotions into art, allowing the author to confront and process what truly matters in life.

Frantz Fanon's life and legacy serve as the backdrop for a contemporary African American novelist's project to write about him. The narrative weaves through various locations, including Manhattan, Paris, and Algeria, blending genres such as whodunit, screenplay, and love story. As the novelist explores Fanon's impact on liberation movements and confronts the persistent racism and oppression in a post-9/11 world, the story also introduces notable figures like French director Jean-Luc Godard, creating an electrifying commentary on Fanon's enduring relevance.

Exploring the duality of strength, John Edgar Wideman's collection features ten emotionally charged stories that delve into both physical and spiritual resilience. The opening piece honors a mother's quiet fortitude, setting the tone for reflections on family, fate, and belief. Wideman's captivating prose weaves in cultural icons like the Harlem Globetrotters and Thelonious Monk, creating a rich tapestry that transitions from personal experiences to broader political themes, ultimately delivering moments of shock and transcendence.