There is a Tree More Ancient than Eden, L. Forrest

At a recent 92ndY dialogue with Prof. Louis Gates, Jr., he mentioned this book as one of the most important novels of our times.  And, when Prof. Gates talks, I listen, so I wanted to get a hold of this book.  This however, was no easy task as it is out of publication & the NYC libraries do not lend out this book.  Thankfully, I persevered and managed to obtain a copy of this most unique and eloquent prose I have had the pleasure to read.  The forward of this novel is by Ralph Ellison.  To quote from Mr. Ellison's comments: "How furiously eloquent is this man Forrest's prose, how zestful his jazz-like invention, his parody, his reference to the classics and commonplaces of literature, folklore, tall-tale and slum street jive! How admirable the manner in which the great themes of life and literature are revealed in the black-white Americanness of his characters..."  Why this book isn't on most high school curriculum's is a mystery to me and a total travesty.  Persevere and get a hold of this important work of art, "There is a Tree More Ancient than Eden," by Leon Forrest.