What a great book. It is amazing how much correspondence reveals about people. This book was so interesting. It truly covers decades of Black artisitic history.

Bernard gathers and edits the letters of Langston Hughes and Carl Van Vechten, written between 1925-64, presenting a notable work of Hughes' mentor and the friendship which evolved between the two men. From discussions of literature and the publishing world to politics and gossip, these letters hold important keys to the personalities and concerns of two great men of the Harlem Renaissance.

This is one of the most touching, endearing books I have ever been blessed to read. Think of it! For forty-two years Arna Bontemps and Langston Hughes wrote letters to each other---literally thousands of letters. From 1925 to 1967, when Mr. Hughes passed away---a period of astounding historical events, during which they wrote. Both men were born in 1902, and met in Harlem in 1924 when attending a poetry reading of Countee Cullen's. They became friends immediately, soon collaborating on their first of several successful books written together. Within the pages of these letters is a treasure trove. The wealth of information is incredibile. We begin during the Harlem Renaissance...then the south and New York City during the Depression...from this, World War II, followed by the many events of the fifties and sixties. Throughout it all, the men are struggling both as writers, and as African Americans during a time of horrendous Jim Crow and lynching. But the horrors of such discriminations do not defeat them...with untold courage and dignity both writers plunge onward. By the time both men reached retirement age, they each had become so famous that universities were diligently seeking to obtain their letters! Charles Nichols who selected and edited their letters here, writes a wonderful introduction about the lives of both men. Aside from a really neat chronology following the letters, the whole of the book is dedicated to the letters. There is so much here, folks. This is one, very awesome book, and I highly recommend it to anyone.

Most white people rarely think about racial discrimination except as something that happened "back then" "down south". We're (I write this as a white man) far more likely to whine about "reverse discrimination," about how unfair affirmative action is and how confusing PC speech has become (Are "they" black, African-Americans, people of color or *what* ?). We tend to think of black people three ways:

1) We see them as white people with extra pigmentation. We don't really notice any difference and blithely assume that they're "just like us".

2) We see them as gods and superheros, running faster, jumping higher, dancing better, and better endowed in various ways.

3) We demonize them--welfare mothers pumping out babies, gangstas, crack ho's & that junkie pulling a smash 'n' grab to feed his habit.

Rarely do we ever try to understand what it's like, growing up different. Langston Hughes, in this powerful little book, opens a window for us. Although aimed at children of all races, perhaps the people who benefit most from this work will be white "liberals" who think racism is horrible until an African-American family moves in down the block.

"Misery is when the taxi cab won't stop for your motoher and she says a bad word."

"Misery is when you first realize so many things bad have black in them, like black cats, black arts, blackball."

"Misery is when you go to the Department Store before Christmas and find out that Santa is a white man."

"Misery is when you start to help an old white lady across the street and she thinks you're trying to snatch her purse."

These, and a whole host of others, are poignantly illustrated by Arouni. The book is introduced by Jesse Jackson, who points out that some things are dated (society has evolved a bit since 1967), but that plenty of room for progress remains. Historical events, such as the presidential election of 2000, demonstrate that deep and systematic racism still pervades American life. This was the last work that Langston Hughes wrote. He died in 1967, while working on the manuscript.

Both my 13-year-old son and my 8-year-old daughter have found the book touching. Reading it with them has helped them to have a better understanding of what it might be like to be "different." I believe this book opens the way for genuine dialogue between people of different races, instead of maintaining projections and biases.

The presentation of this play has been a part of my family's holiday traditions for many years. This is one of Langston Hughes' most spiritual pieces. I ordered it for a friend who is a part of an annnual, dramatization of this text -- and he was speechless! Many communities know this text -- but few of us get to read the original. It gives a wonderful perspective on the Holy Birth and the Christian tradition. It is a family 'must have' for anyone who longs for the true meaning of Christmas, and who wants an African American version of the birth of Christ.

An incredibly vibrant combination of words and images. Excellent poetry choices that emphasize the exhuberant and the life-affirming in Hughes' poetry without ignoring the hardships he was so brilliant at expressing. The collages are a perfect counter-point to the words--bringing to life the feelings and thoughts expressed in the verses.

The Book of Rhythms is a wonderful book that teaches children how to create their own poems. It begins by teaching children how to create their own rhythm by drawing a pattern on a piece of paper. Then it goes on to describe some of the different rhythms you hear everyday, such as your own heartbeat. Hughes then teaches children how to vary their rhythms and how to put words to the rhythm the reader has created. Towards the end, the author tells you about all the different rhythms such as broken or unseen rhythms.
This book serves as a great source for teaching children how to compose their own poems. The author is very qualified to write on this subject, since he is such a renowned poet. The book is neatly organized with clear appropriate headings and helpful illustrations that allow the reader to visualize the author's point. The language is vivid and interesting, yet easy enough for even very young readers to understand and enjoy.
In conclusion, Hughes' Book of Rhythms is a great book introducing children to poetry composition. With interesting vocabulary and illustrations, it is enough to keep any reader's attention. This book serves as a great teaching tool for any elementary aged child.

I really enjoyed these plays. They are beautiful and well written. I highly recommend this book.

The way that langston Hughes write in this book makes you think that he is talking to you. the way that he describe the countyr that he is visiting in the real he is one of a kind writer. i just love the way that he write and the way that he can take you away.........

This is a terrific addition to the Voice of the Poet series. Langston Hughes doesn't just read his poems; he talks about their genesis and about his life. For all the ugliness of Jim Crow, he never sounds bitter, but he tells the whole truth, doesn't sugarcoat anything. My one tiny disappointment is that in the book the format was changed on a couple of poems due to space constraints. This CD is worth it just for his story of how he became a poet. I listen to lots of audio poetry and this is one of the best collections I've ever found. You can't miss.

Catherine Deeter's paintings accompany this celebration of poet Langston Hughes' life, which reads like fiction as it surveys the influences on Hughes' career and the motivations behind his writings and life. An excellent picturebook biography, this requires reading skills but will appeal to grades 2-4.