Release date is 2025-01-23

I. The pleading woman -- II. Turpentine love -- III. ["Becky Moore...."] -- IV. Tippy -- V. The way of a man with a train -- VI. Coon Taylor -- VII. Village fiction -- VIII. ["Sewell...."] -- IX. ["Mrs. Clarke...."] -- X. ["Mrs. McDuffy...."] -- XI. Double-shuffle -- XII. The head of the nail -- XIII. Pants and Cal'line -- XIV. ["Once 'way back yonder...."]

Steve Mattern

"The Eatonville Anthology" by Zora Neale Hurston is a collection of vignettes written during the early 20th century. Through a series of character sketches and brief stories, the book explores the lives, joys, and struggles of the African American community in Eatonville, Florida, which was one of the first all-Black towns to be incorporated in the United States. The anthology captures the rich culture, social dynamics, and everyday experiences of its inhabitants, providing a vibrant glimpse into their world. The book presents a series of short narratives, each depicting distinct characters such as Mrs. Tony Roberts, the perennial beggar; Jim Merchant, who finds humor in his wife's quirks; and the witty gossip regarding Daisy Taylor, the town vamp who flirts with married men. Other anecdotes showcase the quirky tales of Old Man Anderson, who has never seen a train, and the amusing escapades of Coon Taylor, who playfully steals melons yet eludes catch. Through a blend of humor, social commentary, and poignant observations, Hurston effectively illustrates the complexity and resilience of life in Eatonville, while celebrating African American culture and community. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Originally published: United States: Negro University Press, 1926