the university of missouri press is proud to have completed the publication of the collected works of langston hughes, a compilation of the novels, short stories, poems, plays, essays, and other published work by one of the twentieth century's most prolific and influential african american authors. the series makes available hughes's most famous works as well as lesser-known and out-of-print selections, providing readers and libraries with a comprehensive source for the first time. the volumes of the collected works have been published with the same goal that hughes pursued throughout his lifetime: making his books available to the people. each volume includes a chronology by arnold rampersad as well as an introduction by the volume's editor.