Henry Louis Gates, Jr., has established himself as the spokesman-at-large for the richness and vibrancy of the black tradition in American culture. Gates has always been concerned with the potential of black studies to integrate not only the academy, but ultimately the American mind. This book collects his best popular pieces on the politics of multiculturalism. Written with clarity, grace, and humor, these essays touch upon the political, social and cultural dimensions of the "canon issue", and illustrate how its ramifications extend far beyond the syllabuses of college literature courses. From the Sam Slade capers that have appeared in the "New York Times Book Review" to the text of the controversial MLA "Goodbye Columbus" address, the collected essays will offer a lively and important view of our literary culture and its possibilities.