Paul Laurence Dunbar

Author Code: APLD

From a family of ex-slaves, Dunbar was educated at Dayton Central High School, where he was an exemplary student and a classmate of Orville Wright. Dunbar's interest in literature was nurtured by his mother and he began to write poetry as early as his sixth year. In school, he became president of the literary society and edited the school newspaper. After leaving school, he contributed articles to local newspapers and published his own newsletter, Dayton Tattler. In 1892, he published Oak and Ivy, a book of poems that sold well and helped to establish his reputation. The following year, he recited his poetry at the World's Fair and met Frederick Douglass. He moved to Toledo, Ohio in 1895 and published his second book, Majors and Minors, which, in addition to being financially successful, propelled him onto the national stage. He came to the notice of William Dean Howells, the editor of Harper's Weekly, who praised Dunbar's work and helped him with literary contacts. Dunbar traveled to England in 1897 where he recited his poetry on the literary circuit - his fame grew. He returned to America, married and began working for the Library of Congress. By this time he had already contracted tuberculosis and he left his job after about a year. He separated from his wife in 1902 and began heavy drinking which aggravated his already tenuous health. Although he continued to write, his health deteriorated and he succumbed at the age of 33. His many works include When Malindy Sings (1896), Folks From Dixie (1896), Lyrics on the Hearthside (1899), The Strength of Gideon and Other Stories (1900), The Fanatics (1901), Candle Lightin' Time (1901), Lyrics of Sunshine and Shadow (1901), The Sport of the Gods (1902), Howdy Honey Howdy (1905) and Joggin 'Erlong (1906).