From one of the most brilliant writers and thinkers of the twentieth century comes a collection of "passionate, probing, controversial" essays ( The Atlantic ) on topics ranging from race relations in the United States to the role of the writer in society. Told with Baldwin's characteristically unflinching honesty, this “splendid book” ( The New York Times ) offers illuminating, deeply felt essays along with personal accounts of Richard Wright, Norman Mailer and other writers.  “James Baldwin is a skillful writer, a man of fine intelligence and a true companion in the desire to make life human. To take a cue from his title, we had better learn his name.” — The New York Times