Search - Invisible Man

Meticulously crafted tale of a young black man's journey to self-awareness in 1930s America; at times seems to be a cross between Kafka's "Metamorphosis" and Homer's "Odyssey".

Ralph Ellison's nightmare journey across the racial divide tell truths about the nature of bigotry in the U.S.

First published in 1952 and immediately hailed as a masterpiece, Invisible Man is one of those rare novels that have changed the shape of American literature. For not only does Ralph Ellison's nightmare journey across the racial divide tell unparalleled truths about the nature of bigotry and its effects on the minds of both victims and perpetrators, it gives us an entirely new model of what a novel can be.
As he journeys from the Deep South to the streets and basements of Harlem, from a horrifying "battle royal" where black men are reduced to fighting animals, to a Communist rally where they are elevated to the status of trophies, Ralph Ellison's nameless protagonist ushers readers into a parallel universe that throws our own into harsh and even hilarious relief.

I read this novel for a college class and I am so glad I did. The book is a must read and it is a true classic. Once you see beyond the surface of the writer's words to the deeper meanings you experience the complexities and genius of Ralph Ellison.
Not a fast read if you truely want to experience a great piece of literature.

1952 classic tracing racism and bigotry.

Good condition

excellent classic

Though I found this book a bit repetitive, I also found it to be a thought provoking commentary on racial inequality. Overall a good read, if you can get past the prologue.

An amazing book and a very fast, but memorable read.

Enjoyed it to bits. :) It's not a classic for no good reason.

First published in 1952 and immeditately hailed as a masterpiece, "Invisible Man" is one of those rare novels that have changed the shape of American literature. For not only does Ralph Ellison's nightmare journey across the racial divide tell unparalleled truths about the nature of bigotry and its effects on the minds of both victims and perpetrators, it gives us an entirely new model of what a novel can be.
As he journeys from the Deep South to the streets and basements of Harlem, from a horrifying 'battle royal' where black men are reduced to flighting animals, to a Communist rally where they are elevated to the status of trophies, Ralph Ellison's nameless protagonist ushers reader into a parallel universe that throws our own into harsh and even hiularious relief. Suspenseful and sardonic, narrated in a voice that takes in the symphonic range of the American language, black and white, "Invisible Man" is one of the most audacious and dazzling novels of our century.