Description: Uses an expansive definition and thorough analysis of the social force that oppressed James Baldwin throughout his life--namely, the law--to provide the first thematic study to analyze the complete scope of his work.
Review Quotes: "A Criminal Power is an excellent book, an important book, a watershed book in James Baldwin criticism. D. Quentin Miller's use of a variety of critical approaches, including biographical criticism, historical criticism, and the insights of critical legal studies and critical race studies coalesce to create a truly remarkable and fresh evaluation of Baldwin's entire career." --William Lyne, professor of English, Western Washington University