Wilson, Sondra Kathryn (editor)

New York. 2000. Modern Library. Advance Uncorrected Proof. Very Good in Wrappers. 037575539x. 418 pages. paperback. . keywords: Magazine Anthology Black America Politics Socialism. FROM THE PUBLISHER - The Messenger was the third most popular magazine of the Harlem Renaissance after The Crisis and Opportunity. Unlike the other two magazines, The Messenger was not tied to a civil rights organization. Labor activist A. Philip Randolph and economist Chandler Owen started the magazine in 1917 to advance the cause of socialism to the black masses. They believed that a socialist society was the only one that would be free from racism. The socialist ideology of The Messenger, 'the only magazine of scientific radicalism in the world published by Negroes,' was reflected in the pieces and authors published in its pages. THE MESSENGER READER contains poetry, stories, and essays from, among others, Paul Robeson, Zora Neale Hurston, J. A. Rogers, Eric Walrond, Wallace Thurman, and Dorothy West. Most of this material has never been published outside of the magazine. THE MESSENGER READER is a welcome addition to the history of black literature and thought. inventory #27503 ISBN: 037575539x.