Joker, Joker, Deuce

Originally published in 1994, Paul Beatty's second volume of poetry won praise for the way it "pushes the boundaries of free verse while assessing the landscapes of African American autobiography" (Bomb Magazine). In these poems, which explore aspects of race, identity, and popular culture, Beatty was honing the comic, satirical voice and vivid imagination that came to full realization in his acclaimed fiction. Joker, Joker, Deuce "moves to fierce urban rhythms, both cool and hot," writes Jessica Hagedorn. "A rush of intense visual images and electric word music."