Ethiopian Stories. - book reviews

By George S. Schuyler, edited by Robert Hill (Northeastern University Press. 1995. $24.95)--For those of you who are not familiar with George S. Schuyler (1895-1977), shame on you. He was one of America's most influential black journalists. He had a caustic wit and a real gift for satire. Ethiopian Stories comprises two recently recovered novellas (The Ethiopian Murder Mystery and Revolt in Ethiopia) by Schuyler. They were originally serialized in the African-American-owned Pittsburgh Courier during the 1930s. Placed within the context of the Italo-Ethiopian War, the novellas illuminate the collaborative efforts of African Americans to liberate Ethiopia from Italian imperialist rule. In the tradition of Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon, 7be Ethiopian Murder Mystery combines the American detective story with the political spy novel to stir popular support in defense of Ethiopia. Revolt in Ethiopia, a classic adventure tale featuring exotic places, romance, danger and suspense, foreshadows the liberation of Africa and incorporates the role of Pan-African solidarity in achieving freedom from fascism. If you don't know the works of Schuyler, Ethiopian Stories offers an introduction to a great writer. Those familiar with his works will find this collection a welcome addition.

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