MULES AND MEN

A collection, made by the author, herself a negress (remember her novel last year, Jonah's Gourd Vine?), of negro folk stories and songs. She goes back to Florida after graduating from college, takes down the tales of biblical interpretation, of old Massa and his favorite slave, John (don't confuse with John Henry), of animals, of negro smartness, together with their songs and music. In New Orleans she apprentices herself to several of the hoodoo practitioners, describing her experiences, their methods, and the cases brought to them. Authentic in feeling, plenty of race humor, excellent cross section. Sell to Roark Bradford and Julia Peterkin market. Illustrator — Miguel Covarrubias.