Stories spanning over three decades, many previously unpublished, from "a keen observer of the outlandish and outrageous in politics and human behavior" ( Booklist). Comprising short fiction from the early 1970s to the twenty-first century—most of which has never been published— Tales of the Out & the Gone reflects the astounding evolution of America's most provocative literary anti-hero. The first section of the book, "War Stories," offers six stories enmeshed in the volatile politics of the 1970s and 1980s. The second section, "Tales of the Out & the Gone," reveals Amiri Baraka's increasing literary adventurousness, combining an unpredictable language play with a passion for abstraction and psychological exploration. Throughout, Baraka's unique and constantly changing style will enlighten readers on the evolution of one of America's most accomplished literary masters of the past four decades.