In the luminous anthology "The Collected Poetry of Paul Laurence Dunbar," edited with discerning grace by Joanne M. Braxton, readers are invited into the profound depth of Dunbar’s world—a realm where the intricacies of the African-American experience are woven into a rich tapestry of rhythm, emotion, and vivid linguistic prowess. This edition stands as the most comprehensive collection of Dunbar's poetic oeuvre to date, enriched by the inclusion of sixty previously uncollected poems, sixteen of which were discovered in manuscript form, breathing new life into the legacy of a poet who masterfully navigated the dualities of identity and artistry. Dunbar, recognized as the virtual father of black American poetry, emerges in these pages not merely as a historical figure, but as a vibrant voice that transcends the confines of time, race, and locality. Braxton's meticulous curation and insightful introduction serve as a beacon, guiding readers through Dunbar's journey of capturing the essence of the African-American soul in verse. From the pain of oppression to the joyous heights of the human spirit, Dunbar's poetry dances across the spectrum of life, offering a window into a world that is at once uniquely specific and universally resonant. This edition reclaims and celebrates Paul Laurence Dunbar's rightful place as a pivotal American author whose contributions to literature and culture continue to inspire and challenge us to view the world through a lens of empathy, beauty, and unyielding truth.