"Langston Hughes's masterful newspaper column introduced the character of Jesse B. Semple, or "Simple," to readers of the Chicago Defender in 1943. Simple was smart, funny, and right on target - whatever the subject - and was quickly embraced by an enthusiastic public. Soon the stories were collected in books for generations of grateful readers. The last of Hughes's own selections of Simple stories was Simple's Uncle Sam - happily now back in print.

In this collection, Simple, with characteristic wit and insight, expounds on his favorite barroom topics - women, gospel music, and sports, among many others - but he always keeps one foot planted firmly on the ground he rares most about, that of polities and race."--BOOK JACKET.