Matter of Black Lives: Writing from the New Yorker

A collection of the New Yorker's groundbreaking writing on race in America, including work by James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Hilton Als, Zadie Smith, and more, is featured in "The Matter of Black Lives." The book covers a wide range of topics, from the arts to civil rights, justice, and politics, and provides a startling, nuanced, and indelible portrait of America's complex relationship with race.

Format: Hardback
Length: 848 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2021
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

From the hallowed pages of the esteemed New Yorker magazine emerges a profound and illuminating exploration of Black life in America, showcasing a collection of groundbreaking writing that spans decades. This remarkable anthology features the early brilliance of Rebecca West's account of a lynching trial, alongside the iconic "Letter from a Region in My Mind" by James Baldwin, which later evolved into the renowned novel "The Fire Next Time." However, this compilation extends far beyond the confines of time, encompassing a diverse range of contemporary perspectives from esteemed authors such as Toni Morrison, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Zadie Smith, Hilton Als, Jamaica Kincaid, Malcolm Gladwell, Elizabeth Alexander, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Doreen St. Félix, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Kelefa Sanneh, and many more.

Spanning a century of literary excellence, The Matter of Black Lives presents a diverse array of material from the prestigious New Yorker archives. This comprehensive anthology encompasses a wide spectrum of essays, reported pieces, profiles, critiques, and historical retrospectives. It delves into various aspects of life, from the arts to civil rights, justice, and politics, providing a comprehensive view of the complex relationship between America and race.

What sets this collection apart is its ability to present a startling, nuanced, and ultimately enduring portrait of the nation's complex and multifaceted relationship with race. Each author brings their unique voice and perspective, offering a fresh lens through which to examine the ongoing challenges and triumphs faced by Black communities. From the historical accounts of segregation and discrimination to the contemporary discussions of police brutality and social justice, this book serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of Black individuals in the face of adversity.

Through its rich and diverse content, The Matter of Black Lives invites readers to engage in a profound exploration of the human experience and the ongoing struggle for equality. It serves as a reminder that race remains a vital and pressing issue in American society, and that understanding and empathy are essential in fostering a more inclusive and just world. Whether you are a seasoned reader of the New Yorker or a newcomer to its pages, this anthology is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the complex tapestry of Black life in America.

Weight: 1278g
Dimension: 164 x 245 x 58 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008498702