Customer Reviews (1)

Before He was a Homophobe, He was Gay
This is an excellent autobiographical novel about the coming of age of a young, Black, male homosexual. He grapples with issues of insecurity and shame.

Anyone familiar with the work of Amiri Baraka (formerly known as Leroy Jones, and then LeRoi Jones) knows that he is extremely homophobic and heterosexist. He is vicious and searing in his hatred of gays. And yet he himself is gay. Of course he covers that up now and will not admit to it.

The physical discription of the character matches up with his own appearance. The locations and dates in the novel match up with the wheres and whens of his own life. So do other details, such as the main character being in the military and traveling to specific military stations.

Despite of the terrible things he says about gays, I can't help but feel sorry for him after reading this novel. ... Read more

Book Description
In a series of essays by noted art critics, Dial's work is presented emphasizing such highlighs as:
- The dissolution of traditional "high art" restrictions
- The phenomenon of the African-American self-taught artist
- Dial's cultural tradition
- Vivid, lyrical interpretations of the artist's imagery ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

thornton dial
this is a very nice book. the design is not that great, but otherwise it is great. the art and pictures are very nice. the book was published in 93 so it shows a lot of earlier work by this very important artist. essays bybaraka and mcevilley are insightful and should be read by anyone interestedin art, black culture, or the politics of art and race. dial is in the 2000whitney biennial, and this book makes you wonder why he wasn't in itearlier. the titles of the works alone make this worth reading. anotherbook of note very much worth reading is souls grown deep: african americanvernacular art of the south, published by tinwood books. ... Read more

Product Description