Playing in the Dark: Whiteness and the Literary Imagination

by Morrison, Toni

• ISBN13: 9780679745426
• ISBN10: 0679745424
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780307388636
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1993-07-27
• Publisher: Vintage
• More Book Details

About This Book

Playing in the Dark: Whiteness and the Literary Imagination

ISBN: 9780679745426

"Playing in the Dark: Whiteness and the Literary Imagination" is a groundbreaking work of literary criticism by Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of race and literature in America. Published on July 27, 1993, it has been a seminal text in the field of American literature for over three decades.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and scholars of American literature, particularly those focusing on race and literary analysis. It is also a valuable resource for educators teaching courses on race, literature, and cultural studies. The book's insightful analysis makes it an essential tool for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of how race influences literary imagination.

History and Editions

"Playing in the Dark" has been a cornerstone in the American literary dialogue on race since its publication. The book reimagines and remaps the possibility of America by examining the Africanist presence in the fiction of notable authors like Poe, Melville, Cather, and Hemingway. This work promises to change the way we read American literature by revealing how themes of freedom and individualism depend on the existence of a black population that serves as an embodiment of white authors' fears and desires.

Author and Other Works

Toni Morrison is a celebrated author known for her powerful and evocative writing style. Her contributions to literature are immense, and she has written several influential books, including "Beloved," "The Bluest Eye," and "Song of Solomon." Her work often explores themes of identity, history, and the African American experience.

Key Features

• Innovative Analysis: Morrison's brilliant discussions of the Africanist presence in American literature lead to a dramatic reappraisal of the essential characteristics of our literary tradition.
• Persuasive Criticism: The book is an immensely persuasive work of literary criticism that opens a new chapter in the American dialogue on race.
• Historical Context: By examining the works of prominent American authors through the lens of race, Morrison provides a rich historical context that challenges traditional readings of American literature.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780679745426
• eBook: Available through various digital platforms (Note: Specific ISBNs for eBooks may vary depending on the retailer)
• Rental Options: Available for rent through eCampus.com and other retailers, with prices starting at $5.32 for a rental period[3].

Publication Details

• Publisher: Vintage
• Publication Date: July 27, 1993
• Number of Pages: 112
• Language: English
• Item Weight: 0.28 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.18 x 7.99 x 0.30 inches[2][5].

Other Editions and Formats

While there are no other editions of "Playing in the Dark" with different ISBNs, the book remains widely available in its original format. For those interested in renting or purchasing the book, eCampus.com offers rental options, and other retailers may have used copies available.

Related ISBNs

• Used Copies: ISBN-10: 0679745424 (Note: Used copies may not include supplemental materials)[3].
• eBook Formats: Varying ISBNs depending on the digital platform (e.g., Amazon Kindle, Google Play Books).

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for "Playing in the Dark," making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Author Biography

Toni Morrison was born in Lorain, Ohio. She is Robert E. Goheen Professor, Council of the Humanities, Princeton University. She is the author of six novels: <i>The Bluest Eye; Sula; Song of Solomon,</i> which won the 1978 National Book Critics Award for fiction; <i>Tar Baby; Beloved,</i> which won the 1988 Pulitzer Prize for fiction; and <i>Jazz.</i> Her most recent novel since winning the Nobel Prize 1993 is <i>Paradise</i> (1998).

Table of Contents

black matters

romancing The shadow

disturbing nurses and The kindness of sharks

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.