Set in the political, artistic and cultural crucible that was the Harlem Renaissance, this novel re-imagines real life North Pole explorer Matthew Henson in the pulp tradition. With the help of his pal Bessie Coleman, America’s first black aviatrix, he contends with Dutch Schultz, numbers boss Queenie St. Clair and Nikola Tesla whose Death Ray he must keep out of the clutches of a plutocrat planning a coup.
“Along with the rampaging retro action, Phillips smoothly incorporates biting social commentary on the racism of the era. Henson is a terrific character, larger-than-life in a movie-serial way, and the story’s pacing is exquisite.”
— David Pitt, Booklist