Jean-Francois Gounard's examination of the writings of Richard Wright and James Baldwin achieves a balance between the fiery Wright and the placid Baldwin. Gounard's two studies convincingly prove a complementary relationship between the works of these two American writers. Both reflect the profound desire of black Americans to be recognized as first class citizens: Wright aroused white America's conscience, Baldwin made that conscience experience guilt. According to Gounard, this complementary relationship, and their leading roles in American race relations, make their work seminal....