I had only recently learned of Claude McKay and his poetry and his Involvement with the Harlem Renaissance. This book is very well researched and gave in-depth insight into his political awakening (growing up in Jamaica and then studying in the States). We get to see his life in context of what was happening at that time as well as the racism that not only influenced his art but also his politics. A nice addition to learning more about this really interesting man.

Thank you to Netgalley and Columbia University Press for an ARC and I voluntarily left this review.

I have used Claude McKay poetry in the classes that I teach and this book was such a good complement to my lessons. It is always helpful to discuss authors and know their story.