Description: Born in Jamaica, poet Claude McKay (1889-1948) came to the U.S. in 1912 and became an important figure in the blossoming of African-American creativity known as the Harlem Renaissance. While in Jamaica, he had written two collections of dialect verse, Songs of Jamaica (1911) and Costab Ballads (1912) that were widely read on the island. In richly authentic, rhythmic dialect, the poet evoked the folksongs and peasant life of his native country. The 65 poems in the present collection include a representative selection of this dialect verse, but concentrates on poems in standard English from Harlem Shadows (1992) and a selection of uncollected poems. McKay's verse is celebrated for its disciplined craftsmanship, depth of feeling, and moving, articulate protests against racial discrimination. Edited and with an Introduction by scholar Joan Sherman, this carefully chosen inexpensive edition of the poet's finest work will be welcomed by students of African-American history and any lover of fine poetry.

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