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Toni at Random : the iconic writer's legendary editorship Cover Image Book

Toni at Random : the iconic writer's legendary editorship / Dana A. Williams.

Williams, Dana A., 1972- (author.).

Summary:

"An insightful exploration that unveils the lesser-known dimensions of this legendary writer and her legacy, revealing the cultural icon's profound impact as a visionary editor who helped define an important period in American publishing and literature. A multifaceted genius, Toni Morrison transcended her role as an author, helping to shape an important period in American publishing and literature as an editor at one of the nation's most prestigious publishing houses. While Toni Morrison's literary achievements are widely celebrated, her editorial work is little known. Drawing on extensive research and firsthand accounts, this comprehensive study discusses Morrison's remarkable journey from her early days at Random House to her emergence as one of its most important editors. During her tenure in editorial, Morrison refashioned the literary landscape, working with important authors, including Toni Cade Bambara, Leon Forrest, and Lucille Clifton, and empowering cultural icons such as Angela Davis and Muhammad Ali to tell their stories on their own terms. Toni Morrison herself had great enthusiasm about Dana Williams's work on this story, generously sharing memories and thoughts with the author over the years, even giving her the book's title. From the manuscripts she molded, the authors she nurtured, and the readers she inspired, 'Toni at Random' demonstrates how Toni Morrison has influenced American culture beyond the individual titles or authors she published. Morrison's contribution as an editor transformed the broader literary landscape and deepened the cultural conversation. With unparalleled insight and sensitivity, 'Toni at Random' charts this editorial odyssey."-- Provided by publisher.

Record details

  • ISBN: 9780063011977
  • ISBN: 0063011972
  • ISBN: 9780063011984
  • ISBN: 0063011980
  • Physical Description: vi, 355 pages ; 24 cm
  • Edition: First edition.
  • Publisher: New York, NY : Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, [2025]

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:
Includes bibliographical references (pages 337-355).
Formatted Contents Note:
"We're all we got" -- Finding her form -- There needs to be a record -- Escaping the chrysalis -- Taking flight -- The simplest life is a triumph : making The Black book -- The two Tonis -- Leon Forrest and the collective complexity of Blackness -- The extraordinariness of ordinary Black womanhood -- Will the circle be unbroken? -- Green with envy -- Boxing the champ In -- Free Angela -- Letting giants talk -- Beyond The Black book : scrapbooking Black history -- Daring to the end -- Titles edited by Toni Morrison.

Search for related items by subject

Subject:
Morrison, Toni, 1931-2019.
African American editors > Biography.
Women editors > United States > Biography.
Book editors > United States > Biography.
Random House (Firm) > History.
Publishers and publishing > United States > History > 20th century.
Genre:
Biographies.

Additional Physical Form Titles

Toni at Random.

Available copies

  • 15 of 16 copies available at NC Cardinal. (Show)
  • 1 of 1 copy available at McDowell County Public Library.

Holds

  • 2 current holds with 16 total copies.
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Location Call Number / Copy Notes Barcode Shelving Location Status Due Date
Marion Library BIO MOR (Text) 37810435834790 Adult Biography Available -

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MARC Record

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24510. ‡aToni at Random : ‡bthe iconic writer's legendary editorship / ‡cDana A. Williams.
250 . ‡aFirst edition.
264 1. ‡aNew York, NY : ‡bAmistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, ‡c[2025]
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300 . ‡avi, 355 pages ; ‡c24 cm
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504 . ‡aIncludes bibliographical references (pages 337-355).
5050 . ‡a"We're all we got" -- Finding her form -- There needs to be a record -- Escaping the chrysalis -- Taking flight -- The simplest life is a triumph : making The Black book -- The two Tonis -- Leon Forrest and the collective complexity of Blackness -- The extraordinariness of ordinary Black womanhood -- Will the circle be unbroken? -- Green with envy -- Boxing the champ In -- Free Angela -- Letting giants talk -- Beyond The Black book : scrapbooking Black history -- Daring to the end -- Titles edited by Toni Morrison.
520 . ‡a"An insightful exploration that unveils the lesser-known dimensions of this legendary writer and her legacy, revealing the cultural icon's profound impact as a visionary editor who helped define an important period in American publishing and literature. A multifaceted genius, Toni Morrison transcended her role as an author, helping to shape an important period in American publishing and literature as an editor at one of the nation's most prestigious publishing houses. While Toni Morrison's literary achievements are widely celebrated, her editorial work is little known. Drawing on extensive research and firsthand accounts, this comprehensive study discusses Morrison's remarkable journey from her early days at Random House to her emergence as one of its most important editors. During her tenure in editorial, Morrison refashioned the literary landscape, working with important authors, including Toni Cade Bambara, Leon Forrest, and Lucille Clifton, and empowering cultural icons such as Angela Davis and Muhammad Ali to tell their stories on their own terms. Toni Morrison herself had great enthusiasm about Dana Williams's work on this story, generously sharing memories and thoughts with the author over the years, even giving her the book's title. From the manuscripts she molded, the authors she nurtured, and the readers she inspired, 'Toni at Random' demonstrates how Toni Morrison has influenced American culture beyond the individual titles or authors she published. Morrison's contribution as an editor transformed the broader literary landscape and deepened the cultural conversation. With unparalleled insight and sensitivity, 'Toni at Random' charts this editorial odyssey."-- ‡cProvided by publisher.
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