Checkmate

Here is a necessary collection of poetry for admirers of words and treasurers of literary beauty. Spanning more than 30 years, this collection of literary masterpieces by the venerable Ms. Gwendolyn Brooks, arguably Illinois' most beloved Poet Laureate and Chicago's elder black literary stateswoman, Blacks includes all of Ms. Brooks' critically acclaimed writings. Within its covers is the groundbreaking Annie Allen, which earned her the Pulitzer Prize in 1950. There is also the sweepingly beautiful and finely crafted A Street in Bronzeville, a highly anticipated and lauded poetic treasure that spoke volumes for this great poet's love of black people, Chicago's Black community, and even the community of the world. Blacks includes a special treat, Maud Martha, Brooks' only novel.

© 2026 Recorded Books (Audiobook): 9798897568383

Release date

Audiobook: 27 January 2026