PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR was the preeminent African-American writer of his age. As a novelist, in this his final work, he reaches the height of his power. Spanning the post-Civil-War black experience—from dead-end drudgery on the southern plantation to counterfeit promises of New York City—Dunbar’s tale addresses the realities of black freedom in America. Which has priority: assuring justice for a falsely accused ex-slave? or protecting the reputation of one of the oldest, most revered family names of southern aristocracy? After all, didn’t God form the African to endure hard labor and want? So what if one more darky suffers injustice. So what if one more family is thrown out on the streets. There are no stereotypes in Dunbar’s novel—no heroes—no saints. When Berry Hamilton, the most respected member of his community is the target of the pointed white finger, he is universally condemned by his own neighbors. The flawed few who question his guilt do not measure up to the responsible act. And his beloved wife and children—will their loyalty endure? SPORT OF THE GODS is not only an underappreciated novel—it is a work that deserves to be ranked among the masterpieces of early twentieth century American literature. It must not be forgotten.
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