An anthology of the best work of an always compelling, often controversial, and absolutely essential philosopher of the modern American Experience.. Cornel West is one of the nations premier public intellectuals and one of the great prophetic voices of our era. Whether he is writing a scholarly book or an article for Newsweek, whether he is speaking of Emerson, Gramsci, or Marvin Gaye, his work radiates a passion that reflects the rich traditions he draws on and weaves togetherBaptist preaching, American transcendentalism, jazz, radical politics. This anthology reveals the dazzling range of Wests work, from his explorations of Prophetic Pragmatism to his philosophizing on hip-hop. The Cornel West Reader traces the development of Wests extraordinary career as academic, public intellectual, and activist. In his essays, articles, books, and interviews, West emerges as Americas social conscience, urging attention to complicated issues of racial and economic justice, sexuality and gender, history and politics. This collection represents the best work of an always compelling, often controversial, and absolutely essential philosopher of the modern American experience.