Jean-François Gounard's examination of the writings of Richard Wright and James Baldwin achieves a balance between the fiery Wright and the placid Baldwin. Gounard's two studies convincingly prove a complementary relationship between the works of these two American writers. Both reflect the profound desire of black Americans to be recognized as first class citizens: Wright aroused white America's conscience, Baldwin made that conscience experience guilt. According to Gounard, this complementary relationship, and their leading roles in American race relations, make their work seminal. Understanding the evolution of Wright's and Baldwin's ideas is essential to understanding the evolution of the American race problem. This analytical study covers both the literary works and the political and philosophical essays of these two men. It is a valuable study for courses in Afro-American studies and African literature. -- From product description.