Here is a necessary collection of poetry for admirers of words and treasurers of literary beauty. Spanning over 30 years, this collection of literary masterpieces by the venerable Ms. Gwendolyn Brooks, arguably Illinois’ most beloved Poet Laureate and Chicago’s elder Black literary stateswoman, Blacks includes all of Ms. Brooks’ critically acclaimed writings. Within its covers is the groundbreaking Annie Allen , which earned her the Pulitzer Prize in 1950, making her the first Black to achieve that honour. There is also the sweepingly beautiful and finely crafted A Street in Bronzeville , a highly anticipated and lauded poetic treasure that spoke volumes for this great poet’s love of Black people, Chicago’s Black community, and even the community of the world. Blacks includes a special treat, Maud Martha , Brooks’ only novel.