SOURCE: Adler, Joyce Sparer. “Wilson Harris: An Introduction.” Review of Contemporary Fiction 17, no. 2 (summer 1997): 9–11.

In the following essay, Adler provides a brief overview of Harris's works and career, highlighting his main themes and literary achievements.

Harris has done so much to unblock the Western mind-set. But even now genius is not totally inhibited by all the counter-forces of the world in crisis. Harris may be one sign of a changing wind.

—Kathleen Raine

All generations are blended: and heaven and earth of one kin … the nations and families, flocks and folds of the earth. … All things form one whole.

—Herman Melville, Mardi

The whole crew was one spiritual family living and dying together in a common grave out of which they had sprung again from the same soul and womb as it were. …

—Wilson Harris, Palace of the Peacock

Wilson Harris is usually described as a Caribbean writer...