The Marrow of Tradition

by Charles Chesnutt

The Marrow of Tradition is a novel written by African American author Charles Chesnutt, first published in 1901. The book tells the story of a fictional town called Wellington, which is based on the real-life town of Wilmington, North Carolina, during the late 19th century. The novel explores themes of racial discrimination, segregation, and violence in the aftermath of the Reconstruction era. The story is told through the perspectives of various characters, including white supremacists, African Americans, and Northern sympathizers. Chesnutt's writing style is celebrated for its realism, attention to historical detail, and its commentary on the racial and social issues of the time. "The Marrow of Tradition" has been praised for its powerful storytelling and its contribution to the literary canon of African American literature. It remains a beloved classic and an important work in the study of American history and culture.