Paul Laurence Dunbar died in February 1906 before the release of his final publication, Joggin' Erlong, a collection of dialect poems. A decorative volume for the popular market, the twenty poems within were illustrated with photographs by Leigh Richmond Miner. The book's pages featured background graphic designs by John Rae.
With his health failing beyond repair, Dunbar dedicated his final work to his friend William L. Blocker. Blocker was the Daytonian who lent Dunbar the money to print Oak and Ivy in 1893. Thus, Dunbar's last book evoked his first.
To access Joggin' Erlong in the Special Collections and Archives reading room, request Curio 821 D899j.
