Harlem Renaissance Artists and Writers

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

The Harlem Renaissance will not generally be a familiar historical period for most students. This book is devoted to ten outstanding African-American artists, writers and musicians who helped to make their art, writing, music and social commentary flourish in the Harlem section of New York City in the 1920's and 1930's. The book's overall appearance is excellent: modest in size, short, readable chapters having one and sometimes two photos, well-designed pages, good-sized type in addition to chapter notes, further reading suggestions, and two especially relevant internet addresses appended, along with the index. What is missing is being able to hear Duke Ellington or perhaps listen to Langston Hughes reading his poetry aloud. The two internet addresses help enormously in being capable of bringing the Harlem Renaissance alive for junior and senior high school students or any readers of about twelve years old and up. Recommended, especially to school and public libraries as an excellent introduction to an important era in American history.

Overall Book Score: good