Thomas, Piri, 1928-2011

Author, poet and playwright, Piri Thomas is best known for his autobiography, "Down These Mean Streets" (1967) which deals with his early years growing up in East Harlem, the challenges of his Afro-Puerto Rican/Cuban heritage, and his involvement with drugs and gangs. His second and third books "Savior, Savior, Hold My Hand" (1972) and "Seven Long Times" (1974) are accounts, respectively, of the two years he spent in East Harlem following his release from prison and his incarceration. In addition to autobiographies, Thomas also wrote plays, screenplays, short stories and poetry. He was influential in the Nuyorican Movement as an author and poet and is acknowledged as one of the pioneers of spoken word poetry, a form of poetry performance.

From the description of Piri Thomas papers, 1957-1980. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122686940

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