Zora Neale Hurston’s masterpiece, Their Eyes Were Watching God, captures what is at the heart of all great literature: the irrepressible urge to speak, express oneself, and be heard and understood. I spoke with Professor Deborah Plant, a scholar of African-American literature and culture. Professor Plant explained how Hurston’s training as an anthropologist with Franz Boas at Barnard College shaped her writing, and how her novel constitutes one of our nation's greatest achievements.

Uli Baer teaches literature and photography as University Professor at New York University. A recipient of Guggenheim, Getty and Humboldt awards, in addition to hosting "Speaking of…” he hosts (with Caroline Weber) the podcast "The Proust Questionnaire” and is Editorial Director at Warbler Press. Email [email protected]; Twitter @UliBaer.

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