This anthology is the first of its kind on Puerto Rican literature. The comprehensive introduction traces the history of the representation of Afro-Puerto Ricans in the short story, paying special attention to circumstances that developed - particularly during the decade of the sixties - and the manner in which these circumstances influenced the portrayal of Afro-Puerto Ricans in the island's literature. The stories are chosen in order to illustrate the effect of this influence.

Contents:                 

La negrita y la vaquita / Manuel A. Alonso ; La gloria de don Ramiro / Matías González García ; Un corazón de pura sangre / Alfredo Collado Martell ; El cuento del baquiné / Abelardo Díaz Alfaro ; La galería ; En este lado / José Luis González ; José Campeche / Luis Quero Chiesa ; Lágrimas de mangle / Salvador M. de Jesús ; Aleluya negra / Luis Rafael Sánchez ; Paraíso / Carmelo Rodríguez Torres ; Encancaranublado ; Otra maldad de Pateco / Ana Lydia Vega ; Marina y su olor / Mayra Santos Febres.