Impermanent Blackness: The Making and Unmaking of Interracial Literary Culture in Modern America

Korey Garibaldi's book, "Impermanent Blackness," explores interracial collaborations in American commercial publishing from the 1910s to the 1960s, challenging stereotypes and advancing racial pluralism. It examines key developments, including the mainstream success of African American authors, the emergence of multiracial children's literature, postwar tensions, and the impact of the Civil Rights and Black Power movements.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 14 February 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

In his groundbreaking book, Impermanent Blackness, Korey Garibaldi delves into the intricate tapestry of interracial collaborations in American commercial publishing, spanning from the 1910s to the 1960s. Through meticulous research and analysis, Garibaldi unveils the stories of authors, agents, and publishers who dared to forge partnerships across racial lines, challenging stereotypes and advancing racial pluralism in the process.

Impermanent Blackness offers a comprehensive exploration of this nearly forgotten era, examining key developments such as the mainstream success of African American authors in the 1930s and 1940s, the emergence of multiracial children's literature, postwar tensions between supporters of racial cosmopolitanism and "Negro literature," and the profound impact of the Civil Rights and Black Power movements on the legacy of interracial literary culture.

Garibaldi's work is a testament to the power of literature to transcend boundaries and challenge societal norms. By examining the work of these forgotten or criticized literary figures, he sheds light on their visionary ideas and pragmatic approaches to building an inclusive society. Through a contemporary lens, Garibaldi breaks new ground in the cultural history of race in the United States, offering valuable insights and perspectives that are essential for understanding our complex past and shaping our collective future.

In conclusion, Impermanent Blackness is a groundbreaking work that reclaims the legacy of interracial publishing in American literature. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Garibaldi provides a fresh perspective on a period that has been largely overlooked, shedding light on the contributions of these forgotten figures and their enduring impact on the cultural landscape. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of race, literature, and social change in the United States.

Weight: 582g
Dimension: 165 x 244 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691211909