Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906) was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet during the start of the 20th century. Born to ex-slave parents, Dunbar began writing at a very early age and had published his first poems by the age of 16 in a local newspaper. Much of his work was written in the "African-American Vernacular" associated with the antebellum South, although he also employed conventional English in his novels and poems. Dunbar was among the first African-American writers to garner international acclaim for their work. This volume contains a collection of Dunbar's best short stories, originally published in three books. "Folks from Dixie" (1898) comprises 12 stories and was Dunbar's first collection, as well as the first volume of short stories ever published in the United States by an African American. "The Strength of Gideon and Other Stories" (1899) was Dunbar's second collection, including 20 short stories. Originally published in 1904, "The Heart of Happy Hollow" contains sixteen short stories that explore African American life post-Civil War. A fantastic collection of powerful tales that offer a unique glimpse into the lives of African Americans at the turn of the century. Other notable works by this author include: "Oak and Ivy" (1892), "Majors and Minors" (1896), and "Lyrics of Lowly Life" (1896). Read & Co. Classics is proudly publishing this brand new collection of classic short stories now complete with a specially-commissioned new biography of the author and original illustrations by E. W. Kemble.