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Charles Waddell Chesnutt (1858–1932) was a pioneering African-American author, essayist, and social critic, noted for his significant contributions to American literature during the post-Reconstruction period. With a literary career that challenged the racial norms and complexities of the South, Chesnutt was one of the first African-American writers to gain national recognition. Though the work 'Frederick Douglass' is not one of his noted titles, and may be incorrectly attributed, Chesnutt's oeuvre includes such notable works as 'The Conjure Woman' (1899), 'The Wife of His Youth and Other Stories of the Color Line' (1899), and groundbreaking novels like 'The House Behind the Cedars' (1900), 'The Marrow of Tradition' (1901), and 'The Colonel's Dream' (1905). His writings are remarkable for their exploration of race, identity, and social dynamics. Chesnutt's use of dialect and his portrayal of African-American folk culture were innovative for their authenticity and depth. Chesnutt was posthumously awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP in 1928 for his achievements in literature. His literary legacy provides an invaluable insight into the African-American experience of his time and continues to receive scholarly attention for its depth and foresight.