Redlining Culture: A Data History of Racial Inequality and Postwar Fiction
Redlining Culture is Richard Jean So’s study of racial inequality in postwar American publishing and fiction. It combines large-scale data analysis, literary history, and close readings to examine how publishing resources and reception have favored white authors, with discussion of writers including Toni Morrison, Octavia Butler, Henry Dumas, and Amy Tan.
At a glance
- Uses quantitative patterns alongside qualitative literary criticism to examine race and publishing.
- Discusses the publishing industry’s influence on reviews, prizes, sales, and the form and content of postwar novels.
- Connects literary studies with critical race studies and digital humanities.
Reference price: $30.00
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- Brings data analysis and close readings together rather than treating literary history as purely quantitative.
- Provides named literary examples, including Toni Morrison, Octavia Butler, Henry Dumas, and Amy Tan.
- A focused 240-page work for readers studying postwar fiction and racial inequality.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Columbia University Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | December 15, 2020 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 240 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 023119773X |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0231197731 |
| Weight listed | 2.31 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.1 x 0.7 x 9.1 inches |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers of American literary history and postwar fiction.
- Students and researchers in critical race studies or digital humanities.
- Readers interested in how publishing and literary recognition shape the canon.
Less suited to
- Readers looking primarily for fiction rather than literary criticism or research.
Customer reviews on Amazon
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The supplied information contains aggregate ratings but no customer comments. The ratings are positive overall, but the small number of ratings cannot establish which aspects readers valued or how representative those views are. Consider the book’s stated focus on literary research and data analysis when deciding whether it matches your interests.
Frequently asked questions
What is Redlining Culture about?
It examines racial inequality in American publishing and postwar fiction, using data analysis, literary history, and close readings.
Which writers are discussed?
The supplied description names Toni Morrison, Octavia Butler, Henry Dumas, and Amy Tan, among others.
Who is this book suited to?
It is aimed at readers of American literary studies, critical race studies, and digital humanities.
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