Told with Baldwin's characteristically unflinching honesty, this collection of illuminating, deeply felt essays -- passionate, probing, controversial (* The Atlantic) --* examines topics ranging from race relations in the United States to the role of the writer in society, and offers personal accoun...

Told with Baldwin's characteristically unflinching honesty, this collection of illuminating, deeply felt essays -- passionate, probing, controversial (* The Atlantic) --* examines topics ranging from race relations in the United States to the role of the writer in society, and offers personal accounts of Richard Wright, Norman Mailer and other writers.