Hokum

This book is less a comprehensive collection of African-American humor than a mix-tape narrative dubbed by a trusted friend-a sampler of underground classics, rare grooves, and timeless summer jams, poetry and prose juxtaposed with the blues, hip-hop, political speeches, and the world's funniest radio sermon. The subtle musings of Toni Cade Bambara, Henry Dumas, and Harryette Mullen are bracketed by the profane and often loud ruminations of Langston Hughes, Darius James, Wanda Coleman, Tish Benson, Steve Cannon, and Hattie Gossett. Some of the funniest writers don't write, so included are selections from well-known yet unpublished wits Lightnin' Hopkins, Mike Tyson, and the Reverend Al Sharpton. Selections also come from public figures and authors whose humor, although incisive and profound, is often overlooked: Malcolm X, Suzan-Lori Parks, Zora Neale Hurston, Sojourner Truth, and W.E.B. Dubois.

Groundbreaking, fierce, and hilarious, this is a necessary anthology for any fan or student of American writing, with a huge range and a smart, political grasp of the uses of humor.

Aceasta carte este mai putin o colectie cuprinzatoare de umor afro-american decat o naratiune mix-tape dublata de un prieten de incredere - un esantionator de clasici underground, groove rare si gemuri de vara atemporale, poezie si proza juxtapuse cu blues, hip-hop, discursuri politice si cea mai amuzanta predica radio din lume. Meditatiile subtile ale lui Toni Cade Bambara, Henry Dumas si Harryette Mullen sunt intre paranteze de rumegarile profane si adesea puternice ale lui Langston Hughes, Darius James, Wanda Coleman, Tish Benson, Steve Cannon si Hattie Gossett.