African-American writer Richard Wright is famous for his books "Native Son" and "Black Boy." But during the 1950s, he produced four travel books that examined the struggles in Africa, Asia and Europe against colonialism and oppression. His travel narratives are the subject of a new book "Richard Wright's Travel Writings: New Reflections," edited by UAB associate professor of English Virginia Whatley Smith, Ph.D.
Smith says Wright used travel writing "to make a statement about the struggles for freedom by black, brown and yellow people and religiously oppressed people," which is contrary to traditional Anglo-travel narratives, often written by explorers, scientists and missionaries, with descriptions of exploration, captivity or exile.
Contact Gail Short, Media Relations, 205-934-8931 or [email protected].
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