Laura Anne Doyle argues that many of the major texts of twentieth century literature revolve around concepts embodied in mother figures. By studying key novels of the Harlem Renaissance and Modernism and drawing upon the history of eugenics and anthropology, Doyle shows how mother figures represent boundaries of race and ethnicity.

An original and striking study of a rich variety of modernisms, working with discernment and elegance at the 'compounded' intersection of race, sexualities, and gender.

A useful and important study....Will provide a radical rereading of modernist texts.