Wallace Thurman
Biography
Wallace Thurman (1902–1934) was an African American novelist, editor, and playwright, a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Born in Salt Lake City, he moved to Harlem in 1925 and quickly became a provocative literary force, editing the influential magazines Fire!! and Harlem. Thurman’s novel The Blacker the Berry (1929) was one of the first novels to address colorism within the Black community. His satirical Infants of the Spring (1932) offered a biting critique of the Harlem Renaissance itself. Thurman died of tuberculosis at age thirty-two, his talent cut tragically short.
Common themes in Wallace Thurman's work
Harlem Renaissance
A recurring theme throughout Wallace Thurman's writing.
Colorism
A recurring theme throughout Wallace Thurman's writing.
African American literature
A recurring theme throughout Wallace Thurman's writing.
Intraracial prejudice
A recurring theme throughout Wallace Thurman's writing.
Books
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Why Wallace Thurman is still read today
Thurman’s unflinching examination of colorism and his critique of the Harlem Renaissance from within make him an essential and still-provocative voice in African American literature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Wallace Thurman?
Wallace Thurman was a Harlem Renaissance novelist and editor who wrote groundbreaking works about colorism. Read his works free on TextStack.
What is The Blacker the Berry about?
One of the first novels to address colorism—prejudice based on skin color within the African American community.
What was Thurman’s role in the Harlem Renaissance?
He was a central literary figure who edited influential magazines and both celebrated and criticized the movement.
Where can I read Wallace Thurman online?
TextStack offers The Blacker the Berry free to read online.
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