Abstract

After a very successful first work, Cane in 1923, American writer Toomer (1984-1967) came under the influence of the Russian mystic, Gurdjieff, and turned from his portrayals of black Americans to propaganda for his adopted philosophy. Byrd (English, U. of Delaware) examines Toomer's largely unknown and often unpublished later work, tracing themes, analyzing strategies, and finding merit here and there. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR.