The Marrow of Tradition

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Published in 1901, this brilliant and innovative novel recounts the tragic history of two families against the backdrop of post-Reconstruction and the impending segregated society that was to dominate the American South until the middle of the 20th century. The central event of the novel is based on the Wilmington, North Carolina race riot of 1898, a virtual massacre engineered by white supremacist forces and an inflammatory Southern press. Chesnutt's story, based on accounts from actual witnesses to the events, goes beyond a simple re-telling of the facts to a dramatic crystallization of the age old conflict between racism and social justice that has had such an enduring influence on American culture. Unabridged republication of the original (1901) text.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

Based upon the Wilmington, NC, race riot of 1898 and written in 1901, this historical novel makes a plea for racial justice. A group of powerful white men continue to run the fictional town of Wellington and their households as though the Civil War had never occurred. Complicating matters even further, Olivia Carteret, wife of the white newspaper editor, discovers she and Janet Miller, wife of the town's black doctor, have the same father. As the town's residents battle their way through the social and racial issues resulting from the war, Olivia and Janet work their way through racial, social, and family issues. Michael Collins provides an excellent reading with his well-paced and expressive delivery combined with a wide range of male and female voices and accents. Professionally produced, this classic tale is recommended for all public, academic, and school libraries. Laurie Selwyn, Law Lib., Grayson Cty., Sherman, TX Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

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