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About |
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Chester Himes, the Mystery Writer
Chester Himes, a literary master was born in Jefferson City Missouri in 1909. He is considered one of the forefathers of Black Mystery writing.
Himes’ work ranges from novels, short stories, essays and articles to social criticisms. He is best known for his series featuring Gravedigger Jones and Coffin Ed immortalized in such popular films as Cotton Comes to Harlem, Come Back Charleston Blue and A Rage in Harlem.
Himes studied briefly at Ohio State University. In 1928, he was sent to prison for the crime of armed robbery. While serving his prison term, Himes began writing stories for Black magazines, newspapers and eventually for Esquire.
His first breakthrough came in 1945 with the publication of If He Hollers Let Him Go. In 1953, as a Black American expatriate, Himes emigrated to France and subsequently moved to Spain where he lived until his death in 1984.
Himes was an active member of the café society of Paris and the French and Spanish Rivieras. He also received several prestigious literary awards, and was a founding member of the Black Academy of Arts and Letters. It is, therefore, only fitting that the annual award be given at the Chester Himes Black Mystery Conference in his name.
