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Biography · Literature

Ishmael Reed

1938–

United States

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Biography

Ishmael Scott Reed (born February 22, 1938) is an American poet, novelist, essayist, songwriter, composer, playwright, editor and publisher known for his satirical works challenging American political culture. Perhaps his best-known work is Mumbo Jumbo (1972), a sprawling and unorthodox novel set in 1920s New York. Reed's work represents neglected African and African-American perspectives.

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Biography text · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

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