Celebrating the Restless Intellect of A.L. Nielsen: A Look at MemeWars
At BlazeVOX [books], we love books that spark conversation, challenge norms, and push the boundaries of thought. And what better book to showcase than MemeWars, a dynamic and vital exchange between A.L. Nielsen and E. Ethelbert Miller? If ever there was a time for this book, it is now.
Andrew R. Mossin’s review of MemeWars is a compelling read in itself, offering a deep dive into Nielsen’s literary and intellectual journey. This is not just a book of ideas—it’s a book of lived experience, of music, of politics, of history, of poetry that breathes. In a world where the politics of representation are more pressing than ever, MemeWars takes on the intersections of poetry, race, and activism with wit, wisdom, and an unmatched depth of knowledge.
A.L. Nielsen’s career spans decades of engagement with African American poetries, cultural critique, and incisive historical analysis. From Reading Race to The Inside Songs of Amiri Baraka, Nielsen has remained a central force in understanding how poetry and politics intertwine. As Mossin notes, Nielsen’s ability to move between personal experience and broader cultural critique makes MemeWars an indispensable book for anyone looking to understand the shifting terrain of contemporary discourse on race and literature.
One of the many joys of MemeWars is its rich personal narrative. Nielsen’s stories—from growing up in Grand Island, Nebraska, to encountering the works of LeRoi Jones/Amiri Baraka, to his engagement with the vibrant world of jazz—remind us that art and activism are never separate. His reflections on music, from Bob Dylan to John Coltrane, illuminate the ways in which poetry and sound shape the consciousness of a generation and beyond.
Mossin’s review also highlights the urgency of Nielsen’s concerns about the erosion of support for Black poetry and criticism. Even as Black literature criticism flourishes, institutions continue to subject the field to “benign neglect.” But as Nielsen powerfully asserts, Black poetry—and the discourse surrounding it—will never die as long as there are voices willing to push forward. MemeWars is a testament to that enduring spirit.
We at BlazeVOX [books] are honored to be part of this conversation and to share such an essential book with the world. If you haven’t yet picked up a copy of MemeWars, now is the time! Let this book ignite your curiosity, challenge your perspectives, and remind you of the power of poetry to shape and reshape the world.
Grab your copy today and join the conversation!
Read the review here:
Aldon Lynn Nielsen, with E. Ethelbert Miller, MemeWars
Review by Andrew R. Mossin
