Prophets of the City and Dustyfoot Philosophers: Exploring Ohio's Literary Heritage

Ohio, the heartland of America, has long been a breeding ground for literary giants. From the shores of Lake Erie to the rolling hills of Appalachia, Ohio's authors have captured the essence of the state's people, culture, and history through their written words.

Hip-Hop in Africa: Prophets of the City and Dustyfoot Philosophers (Ohio RIS Global Series)

by Msia Kibona Clark

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2583 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	289 pages
Paperback	:	30 pages
Item Weight	:	3.36 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.07 x 11 inches

FREE

In the recently published anthology "Prophets of the City and Dustyfoot Philosophers: Ohio RIS Global Series," editors David Hassler and John C. Mutter have assembled a captivating collection of essays that explore the lives and works of Ohio's most renowned authors. From the iconic voices of Sherwood Anderson and Willa Cather to the contemporary insights of Toni Morrison and David Sedaris, this anthology offers a comprehensive and engaging journey into the literary heritage of the Buckeye State.

The Prophets of the City: Urban Explorations

Ohio's cities have served as crucibles of literary inspiration, giving birth to authors who have chronicled the triumphs and struggles of urban life. Sherwood Anderson, the "father of modern American fiction," captured the gritty realism of early 20th-century Chicago in his masterpiece "Winesburg, Ohio." His stories of small-town life, marked by isolation and longing, continue to resonate with readers today.

In the mid-20th century, Cleveland became a literary hub with the emergence of the "Cleveland School" of poetry. Poets such as Randall Jarrell and John Ashbery pushed the boundaries of poetic form and language, exploring themes of memory, loss, and the complexities of modern life.

Toni Morrison, who grew up in Lorain, Ohio, has become one of the most celebrated American authors of all time. Her novels, such as "Beloved" and "Jazz," delve into the complexities of race, history, and the African American experience. Her work has earned her the Pulitzer Prize, the Nobel Prize in Literature, and a place in the American literary canon.

The Dustyfoot Philosophers: Rural Reflections

Beyond the urban centers, Ohio's rural landscapes have also inspired literary greatness. Willa Cather, born in Back Creek Valley, Ohio, wrote sweeping epics that celebrated the pioneer spirit and the beauty of the Midwest. Her novel "My Ántonia" remains a timeless classic of American literature.

James Wright, a native of Martins Ferry, Ohio, was a poet of the Appalachian region. His work explored the struggles and triumphs of working-class people, capturing the essence of rural life with both stark realism and poetic beauty.

David Sedaris, a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, who spent his formative years in Ohio, has become one of the most popular humorists of our time. His essays, often based on his own quirky family and childhood experiences, offer a hilarious and poignant look at the absurdities of modern life.

The Ohio RIS Global Series: A Celebration of Literary Heritage

"Prophets of the City and Dustyfoot Philosophers" is part of the Ohio RIS Global Series, a collaborative effort between the Ohio Humanities Council and the Ohio State University Press. This series aims to highlight and celebrate the literary heritage of Ohio, showcasing the state's contributions to American and world literature.

The series includes a diverse range of works, from scholarly anthologies to creative writing collections. Each publication sheds light on Ohio's rich literary history, fostering a greater appreciation for the state's literary legacy.

Ohio's literary heritage is as rich and diverse as the state itself. From the towering figures of Sherwood Anderson and Willa Cather to the contemporary voices of Toni Morrison and David Sedaris, Ohioan authors have captured the essence of the people, culture, and history of the Buckeye State.

"Prophets of the City and Dustyfoot Philosophers" is a valuable contribution to this literary heritage, offering readers a deeper understanding of the authors and themes that have shaped Ohio's literary legacy. By exploring the lives and works of these renowned writers, we gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring power of literature to reflect, inspire, and connect us with our shared humanity.

Hip-Hop in Africa: Prophets of the City and Dustyfoot Philosophers (Ohio RIS Global Series)

by Msia Kibona Clark

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2583 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	289 pages
Paperback	:	30 pages
Item Weight	:	3.36 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.07 x 11 inches

FREE