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Drylongso: A Self-Portrait of Black America Paperback – April 1, 1993

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 26 ratings
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In writing his Self-Portrait of Black America, anthropologist, folklorist, and humanist John Gwaltney went in search of "Core Black People"―the ordinary men and women who make up black America―and asked them to define their culture. Their responses, recorded in Drylongso, are to American oral history what blues and jazz are to American music. If the people in William H. Johnson's and Jacob Lawrence's paintings could talk, this is what they would say.
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  1. Print length
    320 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    The New Press
  4. Publication date
    April 1, 1993
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1565840801
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1565840805
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Powerful, eloquent, and―I hope―disturbing." ―Studs Terkel

"This book is terrifying and illuminating. Not since the nineteenth-century slave narratives have so many black Americans told such truths to white America." ―Maya Angelou

About the Author

John Langston Gwaltney was a student of Dr. Margaret Mead, before becoming a Professor of Anthropology. He has taught at the State University of New York at Cortland and at the Maxwell Graduate School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. He is also a visual artist, with a special interest in ritual carving.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ The New Press; New Press ed. edition (April 1, 1993)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1565840801
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1565840805
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 26 ratings

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John Langston Gwaltney

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
26 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Lionel(Bo)
5.0 out of 5 stars Classic
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2023
Verified Purchase
Glad I purchased this book for my collection. Great information. Knowledge is power.
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John Costa
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2016
Verified Purchase
Great insight on people we do not seek for insight and ideas.
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Vincent
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2014
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Thanks
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N'Tozake
5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2017
I read this book when it was first published. I never forgot it. I lost my original copy but I just ordered another. This book is a timeless window on Blacks in America and necessary reading for every one. It's American History.
4 people found this helpful
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Cesar C. Garcia
5.0 out of 5 stars Profound
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2009
This is a deep, and insightful book. I can't believe it doesn't have more reviews. I found this book at the UCSD bookstore on sale for $2.50, and I couldn't resist buying it. I am so grateful that I did buy it. The human condition, and especially the black human condition, is explored thoroughly through the oral tradition in this book. The African-American oral tradition is rich in history, culture, and profound thoughts. If you've never thought about what it means to be Black in America, then this book will offer you a glimpse of understanding. Not only do you see the opinions and insights of the people being interviewed, but also their hurt and pain that began historically during slavery and continues on through today. The language is rich in metaphor and meaning and is captured brilliantly by the author, John Gwaltney. He injects little of himself in the portraits he paints of these everyday, ordinary people.
8 people found this helpful
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Golindrina
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating!
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2013
You won't soon forget these people Gwaltney interviewed ,with their wisdom, pithy observations and slang. His use of language is excellent too.
One person found this helpful
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