Jonah's Gourd Vine (Virago Modern Classics)

About the Author Zora Neale Hurston was a novelist, folklorist, and anthropologist. An author of four novels (Jonah's Gourd Vine, 1934; Their Eyes Were Watching God, 1937; Moses, Man of the Mountain, 1939; and Seraph on the Suwanee, 1948); two books of folklore (Mules and Men, 1935, and Tell My Horse, 1938); an autobiography (Dust Tracks on a Road, 1942); and over fifty short stories, essays, and plays. She attended Howard University, Barnard College and Columbia University, and was a graduate of Barnard College in 1927. She was born on January 7, 1891, in Notasulga, Alabama, and grew up in Eatonville, Florida. She died in Fort Pierce, in 1960. In 1973, Alice Walker had a headstone placed at her gravesite with this epitaph: 'Zora Neale Hurston: A Genius of the South.' Product Description With a new introduction by JESMYN WARDBorn on the wrong side of the creek, John Buddy Pearson, the son of a slave, has come a long way since his shoeless days. With some schooling, a job and marriage to clever Lucy Potts, his fortunes are looking up. But, unable to resist the lure of women or a fight, he's forced to flee town or face life on the chain gang.John finds himself in Sanford, Florida, and sends for Lucy and the children. There, he discovers a talent for preaching, and, with the support of his wife, becomes pastor of Zion Hope Church, rousing his congregation with his fervent sermons. He is now a pillar of the community, respected and popular. Before long, though, he is praying for his own sins - for his powers of persuasion aren't limited to the pulpit - and the town won't stand for his philandering ways.Originally published in 1934, this is Zora Neale Hurston's first novel. Review Zora Neale Hurston was a knockout in her life, a wonderful writer and a fabulous person. Devilishly funny and academically solid: delicious mixture -- Maya AngelouOne of the greatest writers of our time -- Toni MorrisonA bold and beautiful book, many a page priceless and unforgettable -- Carl Sandburg Book Description This vibrant first novel by Zora Neale Hurston, one of the most influential African-American writers, is reissued with a new introduction by Jesmyn Ward. From the Back Cover INTRODUCED BY JESMYN WARD'One of the greatest writers of our time' Toni MorrisonBorn on the wrong side of the creek, John Buddy Pearson, the son of a slave, strikes out alone. Gaining an education and the love of Lucy Potts, he seems to have left his shoeless days behind. But unable to resist the lure of women or a fight, he's forced to flee town or face life on the chain gang.Finding himself in Sanford, Florida, John discovers a talent for preaching and becomes pastor of Zion Hope Church. He rouses his congregation's fervour with powerful sermons and people come from far to hear him. With John's charisma and Lucy's quiet wisdom, the family is respected and admired. Before long, though, John is praying for his own sins - for his powers of persuasion aren't limited to the pulpit, and the town won't tolerate his philandering ways.Originally published in 1934, this is Zora Neale Hurston's first novel.'A bold and beautiful book, many a page priceless and unforgettable' Carl Sandburg'Zora Neale Hurston was a knockout in her life, a wonderful writer and a fabulous person. Devilishly funny and academically solid: delicious mixture' Maya Angelou