Etheridge Knight (1931-1991) is widely regarded as one of America's most prominent and lively poets.

A foremost American poet in the black oral tradition, can move from pathos and a near-tragic vision of the destructiveness of imprisonment to tenderness and a lusty, incisive wit. . . . the work as a whole bears testimony anew to his authentic 'blues' voice, deep feeling, and concern for communication between the races.