Penguin Classics Introduces African American Classic Series

New York, NY (CNS) - Penguin Classics is introducing its first two books in its new six-book African American Classics series: James Weldon Johnson's "God's Trombones" and "The Portable Charles W. Chesnutt."

James Weldon Johnson was a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance and one of the most revered African Americans of all time, whose life demonstrated the full spectrum of struggle and success. In "God's Trombones," one of his most celebrated works, inspirational sermons of African American preachers are reimagined as poetry, reverberating with the musicality and splendid eloquence of the spirituals.

This classic collection includes "Listen Lord-A Prayer," "The Creation," "The Prodigal Son," "Go Down Death-A Funeral Sermon," "Noah Built the Ark," "The Crucifixion," "Let My People Go" and "The Judgment Day."

An icon of nineteenth-century American fiction, Charles W. Chesnutt-an incisive storyteller of the aftermath of slavery in the South-is widely credited with almost single-handedly inaugurating the African American short story tradition. He was also the first African American novelist to achieve national critical acclaim.

This major addition to Penguin Classics features an ideal sampling of his work: twelve short stories (including conjure tales and protest fiction), three essays, and the novel "The Marrow of Tradition."