New Soul Fiction Collection Revives Black American Pulp Literature
Samuel Blumenfeld has launched Soul fiction, a new collection at Éditions de l'Olivier, aiming to introduce French readers to the pulp universe of Black American culture that peaked between 1969 and 1975. His rediscovery of this literary genre came through the music of that era, driven by Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, and James Brown, as well as Black American cinema. Pulp, a mass-produced literary output intended for pocket-sized distribution, prioritized quantity over quality. The collection highlights authors such as Chester Himes, James Baldwin, and Richard Wright, alongside many other names less known in France.
Key facts
- Samuel Blumenfeld directs the new Soul fiction collection at Éditions de l'Olivier.
- The collection focuses on Black American pulp culture from 1969 to 1975.
- Blumenfeld's discovery was inspired by music from Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, and James Brown.
- Black American cinema also influenced the rediscovery.
- Pulp literature was mass-produced for pocket distribution, emphasizing quantity.
- Authors include Chester Himes, James Baldwin, and Richard Wright.
- Many other authors in the collection are less known in France.
Entities
Artists
- Marvin Gaye
- Curtis Mayfield
- James Brown
- Chester Himes
- James Baldwin
- Richard Wright
Institutions
- Éditions de l'Olivier
Locations
- France
Sources
- artpress —