The Complete Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar

This collection contains the complete poetic works of Paul Laurence Dunbar, who was among the first African Americans to gain wide renown for literature in the United States.
A poet of unquestionable skill and ability, Paul Laurence Dunbar was the son of two former slaves. His father, who managed to escape slavery, was an early enlistee who fight for the Union army in the American Civil War - a fact which profoundly influenced his son's outlook upon the U.S. military and life as a citizen of the USA.
The poetry of Dunbar shows his flair for observation and superb knack for smooth-flowing yet profound words. Noticing immediately how he could swiftly create and sell poems to popular magazines, the young Dunbar turned down offers for educational support and instead devoted his time and effort to writing. Uniquely, Dunbar would write poets in regional dialects, incorporating slang of both white and black Americans.

Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906) was an influential American poet, novelist, and playwright, celebrated as one of the first African American writers to gain national recognition. Born in Dayton, Ohio, to formerly enslaved parents, Dunbar showed literary talent from a young age. He wrote in both standard English and African American vernacular, capturing the struggles and resilience of Black life in post-Civil War America. Notable works include the poetry collections Lyrics of Lowly Life and Majors and Minors, featuring iconic poems like "Sympathy" (inspiring the phrase "I know why the caged bird sings"). Dunbar's work continues to resonate for its artistry and cultural significance.