Myth

            You have just been hit by Ishmael Reed, one of the most prolific black writers of the latter half of the 20th century. Part cultural detective, part bloodhound, part trickster, the Oakland resident's 30-year career has been a roller coaster ride of both accolades and literary antagonisms.
             Twice nominated for the National Book Award, once a finalist for the Pulitzer, and branded a "genius" by the MacArthur Foundation, Reed's books have incited radicals to label him a conservative and conservatives to paint him as a radical. He has written fiction, nonfiction, poetry, plays, and even penned blues songs that he performs with a band. All the while, Reed has taught English at U.C. Berkeley for the past 20 years.
             Now, the breadth and variety of Reed's career can be seen whole. The Reed Reader, published by Basic Books, is a collage of his written work over the last three decades.
             Reed settles in his chair and sips on his coffee, staring at you with the same searing intensity that jumps off the back jacket of his books.
             "I've done well in my writing career considering how the United States treats black male writers," says Reed. "Black writers are under literary colonialism. It is a racist, "good old boy' literary fraternity that encourages imitation and acquiescence to its attitudes. Their surrogates must adhere to the party line. Right now the party line holds that the behavior of black people is responsible for their plight. This is the "tough love' racket, which always scolds, but never rewards the group - black -- which it considers morally delinquent.".
             The writer's outspokenness, which often ruffles feathers, may be part of the reason he has not always gotten the props he deserves. A quick draw, and an accurate marksman, Reed's acid tongue and fiery pen have wound their way around powerful individuals and institutions across the country.
             "Will The Reed Reader be anything like The Cornel West Reader?" you ask.