Jump Back, Paul

The Life and Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar

By: Sally Derby

Narrated by: Bahni Turpin, Dion Graham

Experience the breadth and depth of Paul Laurence Dunbar's poetry - and learn how it reflects his singular life as a late-nineteenth-century black man.

Did you know that Paul Laurence Dunbar originated such famous lines as "I know why the caged bird sings" and "We wear the mask that grins and lies"? From his childhood in poverty and his early promise as a poet through his struggles to find acceptance as a writer and his tumultuous romance with his wife, to his immense fame and his untimely death, Dunbar's story is one of triumph and tragedy. But his legacy remains in his much-beloved poetry - told in both Standard English and in dialect - which continues to delight and inspire readers today. More than two dozen of Dunbar's poems are woven throughout this volume, illuminating the phases of his life and serving as examples of dialect, imagery, and tone. Narrating in a voice full of admiration and respect, Sally Derby introduces Paul Laurence Dunbar's life and poetry to listeners young and old.

©2015 Sally Derby, original book published by Candlewick Press (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Great Overview of the Poet's Life

I love the persona with which the story is told! It felt so natural!

love it

I love this recording. being from Dayton ohio I have always had so much respect for Paul Lawrence Dunbar. but I realized that I really didn't know much about him. so I wanted to know more about his life. I love the narrator's voice and also the voices of the men reading the poems.