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The Life and Poetry of Langston Hughes

Arnold Rampersad's biography of the African American poet has been called "a literary event." Despite dedicating his writing to the black experience, Hughes grew up in a largely white community. His more radical work didn't find much of an audience, which led to him adopting a more social-realist style later in his career.

27:39

Other segments from the episode on February 13, 1989

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, February 13, 1989: Interview with Arnold Rampersad; Review of Herb Robertson's album "Shades of Bud Powell"; Interview with Rhys Chatham; Interview with Robert Kaplow and…

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