Concrete Scholars: Selected Writings Volume - A Monumental Collection of Urban Literature

Concrete Scholars: Selected Writings Volume 1

by Franz von Falkenstein

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3573 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	199 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Concrete Scholars: Selected Writings Volume is a monumental collection of essays and articles that celebrates the transformative power of urban literature. Edited by Dr. Mark Anthony Neal, the volume brings together the work of leading scholars in the field of urban literature, including Percival Everett, Wahneema Lubiano, and Patricia Smith.

The volume is divided into four sections: "The City as Text," "The Politics of Place," "Race, Class, and Gender in the City," and "The Future of Urban Literature." Each section explores a different aspect of urban literature, from its historical roots to its contemporary manifestations.

The City as Text

The first section of the volume, "The City as Text," examines the ways in which the city serves as a source of inspiration and a site of struggle for urban writers. In his essay, "The City as Palimpsest," Percival Everett argues that the city is a "text" that is constantly being written and rewritten by its inhabitants. He shows how writers like Ralph Ellison and Toni Morrison have used the city as a setting to explore the complex social and political issues of their time.

In her essay, "The Politics of Space," Wahneema Lubiano explores the ways in which the physical space of the city shapes the lives of its inhabitants. She shows how the placement of schools, parks, and other public amenities can create or reinforce social inequalities. She also discusses the ways in which urban writers have challenged the dominant narratives about the city and its people.

The Politics of Place

The second section of the volume, "The Politics of Place," examines the ways in which urban literature is shaped by the political and economic forces that shape the city. In his essay, "The Ghetto as Literary Space," Mark Anthony Neal argues that the ghetto is a unique literary space that has been shaped by the experiences of African Americans in the United States. He shows how writers like Richard Wright and James Baldwin have used the ghetto as a setting to explore the social and psychological effects of racism and segregation.

In her essay, "The Suburbs as Literary Space," Patricia Smith explores the ways in which the suburbs have been represented in American literature. She shows how writers like John Cheever and Joan Didion have used the suburbs as a setting to explore the themes of alienation, conformity, and the search for identity.

Race, Class, and Gender in the City

The third section of the volume, "Race, Class, and Gender in the City," examines the ways in which urban literature is shaped by the intersections of race, class, and gender. In his essay, "Race and the City," George Lipsitz argues that the city is a site of both racial conflict and racial progress. He shows how writers like Amiri Baraka and Gwendolyn Brooks have used their work to challenge racism and to celebrate the resilience of African Americans in the face of adversity.

In her essay, "Class and the City," Celeste Watkins-Hayes explores the ways in which class shapes the experiences of urban dwellers. She shows how writers like Junot Díaz and Edwidge Danticat have used their work to give voice to the struggles of the working class and the poor. In her essay, "Gender and the City," bell hooks explores the ways in which gender shapes the experiences of women in the city. She shows how writers like Alice Walker and Audre Lorde have used their work to challenge sexism and to empower women.

The Future of Urban Literature

The fourth and final section of the volume, "The Future of Urban Literature," examines the future of urban literature and its role in shaping the city. In his essay, "The Future of Urban Literature," Mark Anthony Neal argues that urban literature will continue to play a vital role in shaping the city and its people. He shows how writers like Ta-Nehisi Coates and Jesmyn Ward are using their work to address the challenges of the 21st century, including racism, inequality, and climate change.

The Concrete Scholars: Selected Writings Volume is a monumental collection of essays and articles that celebrates the transformative power of urban literature. The volume brings together the work of leading scholars in the field of urban literature, and it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of urban literature.

The volume is a must-read for anyone interested in urban literature, urban studies, or the future of the city.

The Concrete Scholars: Selected Writings Volume is a groundbreaking collection of essays and articles that celebrates the transformative power of urban literature. The volume brings together the work of leading scholars in the field of urban literature, and it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of urban literature.

The volume is a must-read for anyone interested in urban literature, urban studies, or the future of the city.

Concrete Scholars: Selected Writings Volume 1

by Franz von Falkenstein

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3573 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	199 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE