Why we need to reclaim literature that lies outside the mainstream canon. Some literary critics receive widespread recognition, while others, despite their significant contributions, remain underappreciated. W. Lawrence Hogue, who recently retired from the University of Houston’s English Department, falls squarely into the latter category. In seven important books on criticism, theory and biography, he has made vital contributions to broadening the American literary canon, particularly by highlighting underappreciated works by novelists of color.
