Literary Criticism. Cultural Writing. African American Studies. Bringing together critical essays, articles, and reviews by Clarence Major -- author of nine novels, nine books of poetry, and many nonfiction works -- this landmark collection is an impressive look back by one of our most visionary authors. NECESSARY DISTANCE is a sweeping tour of new ground in literature and poetics, while at the same time serving as a portrait of the artist's rise to prominence in American letters. Major's many books available from SPD include PAINTED TURTLE: WOMAN WITH GUITAR; CONFIGURATIONS: NEW AND SELECTED POEMS, 1958-1998; and FUN AND GAMES.