This book looks a fascinating read. Co-authored by two American professors of English, it is the previously unpublished correspondence between African-American poet Langston Hughes and writers from the 50s and 60s South African magazine Drum. The South African writers include Peter Clarke, Todd Matshikiza, Bloke Modisane, Ezekiel Mphahlele, Peter Abrahams, and Richard Rive. The co-authors have analysed and reviewed the issues and themes alongside reproducing the letters in order to provide a broader context to the issues. The opportunity to consider the Civil Rights movement alongside the anti-apartheid movement is an excellent one, when you think that more often than not the campaigns are discussed in isolation of one another. It seems obvious that people would have made connections and supported and encouraged one another during this time. At a cover price £52.50 I am afraid that it goes on the Christmas wish list for the moment.
