Against a Sharp White Background: Infrastructures of African American Print

The work of black writers, editors, publishers, and librarians is essential to American print culture, from slave narratives to digital databases. This volume explores the relationship between expression and frameworks, analyzing how different mediums, library catalogs, and search engines shape the production and reception of written and visual culture. It also challenges mainstream book history and print culture to understand that race and racialization are inseparable from the study of texts and their technologies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2019
Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press

The rich tapestry of American print culture is intricately woven with the contributions of black writers, editors, publishers, and librarians, spanning from the poignant narratives of slave life to the digital repositories of today. While the printed word holds the promise of democratization, it is important to acknowledge that the infrastructures of print and digital culture can be both limiting and enabling. Contributors to this volume delve into the intricate relationship between expression and these frameworks, exploring how diverse mediums, library catalogs, and search engines shape the creation and consumption of written and visual culture. The chapters in this volume cover a wide range of topics, including antebellum literature, the vibrant Harlem Renaissance, the influential Black Arts Movement, the enigmatic realm of "post-Black" art, the critical role of black librarians, and the impact of modern technologies on the discovery of works by African Americans.
Against a Sharp White Background offers a fresh perspective on the study of African American writing, challenging mainstream book history and print culture to recognize the inseparable link between race and racialization. By examining the production, circulation, and reception of African American writing across various genres and contexts, this collection sheds light on the complex dynamics that shape the literary landscape. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diverse voices and experiences of African Americans within the broader context of American literature and culture.
In conclusion, The work of black writers, editors, publishers, and librarians is a vital part of the history of American print culture, and their contributions continue to shape the world of literature and beyond. This collection provides a valuable insight into the relationship between expression and the frameworks that shape our understanding of written and visual culture. By challenging mainstream narratives and promoting a more inclusive approach, Against a Sharp White Background contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the rich tapestry of African American literature and its impact on society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780299321505