Ralph Waldo Ellison's masterpiece 1952 Invisible Man tells the story of an African-American man who insists on his visibility, agency, and humanity in a country dead set on not seeing him, barring him from most opportunities, and denying his humanity. I spoke with John Callahan, Ellison's literary executor who brought us the posthumously published Juneteenth, the short story collection Flying Home, and a forthcoming edition of Ellison's letters spanning some 40 years.

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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