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Welcome to BLACK CLASSIC BOOKS
From Book to Stage: A first for Black Classic Press and Walter Mosley!
Dear Readers,
I am excited to share that "The Fall of Heaven", a stage play penned by critically acclaimed author Walter Mosley
and based on The Tempest Tales published by Black Classic Press in 2008, is a first for both author and publisher!
The Tempest Tales was the sixth book collaboration between Mosley and the press; Gone Fishin' (1997) a prequel to the Easy Rawlins mystery series; What Next (2003) a memoir and call to action following 9/11, and The Tempest Tales (2008) were all written by Mosley. The publication of Gone Fishin' was also a first for Mosley and BCP in that Mosley, as a show of support for small Black publishing houses, chose to publish with BCP "to create a model that other wirters, Black or not, can look at to see that it's possible to to publish a book sucessfully outside of mainstream publishing in New York." That choice put BCP into a national spotlight. Three other titles, written by Frederic Tuten were published jointly with the Black Classic Press imprint, Inprint Editions and Mosley's publishing venture, The Thing Itself in 2005.
The play, based on Mosley's wily, street-smart character Tempest Landry, premiered at the Playhouse in the Park in Cincinnati, Ohio on January 23 and runs through February 20th. BCP publisher, Paul Coates attended the play and feels that the play does justice to the book and highly recommends it. You can also read a review of the play and an interview with Mosley in CityBeat. Metromix.com also published an interview with Mosley. Ticket and further play information can be found on the theater's website.
Take care, be well, and have fun!
Natalie Stokes
Associate Publisher
It is not too late to register and become a part of the Black Classic Press family. Join now and become eligible for member-only offers throughout the year.
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Featured Product
 The Tempest Tales - Walter Mosley Tipping his hat to Langston Hughes and his much loved character, Jesse B. Semple, Walter Mosley introduces Tempest Landry and The Tempest Tales.Mistaken for another man, wily Tempest is "accidentally" shot by police. Sent to receive the judgment of heaven he discovers his sins, according to St. Peter, condemn him to hell. Tempest takes exception to the saint's definition of sin; he refuses to go to hell and explains that he, a poor Black man living in Harlem, did what he did for family, friends, and love. St. Peter, whose judgment has never been challenged, understands the secret of damnation and heaven's celestial authority--mortals must willingly accept their sins. Should Tempest continue his refusal, heaven will collapse, thereby allowing hell and its keeper, the fallen angel Satan to reign supreme. The only solution: send this recalcitrant mortal back to earth with an accounting angel,whose all-important mission is to persuade Tempest to accept his sins and St. Peter's judgment. Using the street smarts that served him so well in his previous life, Mosley's hero takes the accounting angel on a tour of mortal life that tests not only heaven's notions, but the poor angel's own resolve. In this episodic battle with heaven and hell for his ultimate destiny, Tempest also takes the reader on a philosophic and humorous journey where free will is pitted against class and race--and the music of heaven is pitted against the blues. NOW 20% OFF!
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