Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory

Editor’s Note: To accompany the review of “The Norton Anthology of African American Literature,” the Book Review asked a number of distinguished black Americans to name the works by African Americans that most moved or influenced them.

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What has influenced me in African American literary culture is the oral tradition, just as much as the written tradition. In my research I’ve come across the narratives of ex-slaves, as well as elements of the folk tradition, and all of these rich materials have greatly broadened my understanding of who I am and what I’m doing as a writer. My novel “The Cattle Killing” goes back to that time and draws on those materials and others, like the [18th century] narrative of Bishop Allen. I continue to look to these traditions as a source of creativity in my written work.