cover image Here Is My Kingdom

Here Is My Kingdom

Jean-Louis Curtis. ABRAMS, $24.95 (120pp) ISBN 978-0-8109-3422-1

To present a survey of the Hispanic American experience and of the art produced by it, Sullivan (editor of the noteworthy anthology of African American art and literature Children of Promise ) gathers works by more than 100 painters, poets, writers, photographers, activists, scholars and historical figures. This time he builds an even more resonant portrait of a minority struggling to define and maintain its identity. Greats like Picasso, Tamayo, Paz and Rivers share space with folk artists, anonymous ancients and young contemporary artists. Anglos like James McNeill Whistler and Robert Frost add perspective, but the direct experience of Latinos never lapses--a consistent political urgency rises among the frequent flashes of gentle humor and the handsomely reproduced, often sensuous images. The poetry is particularly striking in its steely lyricism. Sullivan brings to this serious task great imagination, flair and sensitivity, and he delivers an inspiring book. Biographical notes included. All ages. (May)