Charles W. Chesnutt was a prominent African-American writer, lawyer, and political activist.  Chesnutt was a prolific author and his books were notable for exploring the racial and social issues in the American South after the Civil War.

The Conjure Woman, published in 1899, is a collection of short stories that deal with racial issues following the Civil War.  The book is recognized as being one of the most important works of African American literature.