The only African American playwright to win the Pulitzer Prize twice, Wilson has yet to receive the critical attention that he merits. With 12 original essays, this volume provides a thorough introduction to his body of work. It investigates such thematic, artistic and ideological concerns as his use of the South and the black human body as metaphors; his collaboration with Lloyd Richards; the influence of the blues, Baraka, Bearden, Borges and Fugard on his work; his creative method; and his treatment of African American family life. Highlights of the collection are the contributions from noted scholars and a recent interview with the playwright himself.