American literature

William Wells Brown was one of the most prominent African American writers in the 19th century. But many people now don’t know who he is.

With Your Wings, a long-forgotten story by acclaimed author John Steinbeck, tells the story of discrimination between black soldiers during World War II. It was finally published last week, some 70 years after the author wrote it.

Novelist Jennifer Egan thrives on the alternate worlds she can inhabit as a fiction writer. She’s also found an alternate way of publishing her work: one tweet — 140 characters — at a time.Novelist Jennifer Egan thrives on the alternate worlds she can inhabit as a fiction writer. She’s also found an alternate way of publishing her work: one tweet — 140 characters — at a time.

Poet and activist Maya Angelou died on Wednesday. She was 86-years-old. But before she was a famous author she had a career as a Calypso singer.

Poet and activist Maya Angelou died on Wednesday. She was 86-years-old. But before she was a famous author she had a career as a Calypso singer.