POTSDAM -- Dr. Derek C. Maus, an associate professor in SUNY Potsdam's Department of English and Communication, recently released a book, "Understanding Colson Whitehead." Published by the University of South Carolina Press, the book is part of the Understanding Contemporary American Literature Series.

"It's a labor of love and respect to be able to put Whitehead's work out there to audiences that might not have encountered him before, or might want some additional guidance in terms of getting started with him," Maus said.

Maus's book analyzes works written by Colson Whitehead, the author of works such as "Zone One" and "The Institutionist."

"Understanding Colson Whitehead" unravels the parallel structures found within Whitehead's fiction.Through the evolution of the genres that Whitehead's works of fiction fall into (the detective novel, the heroic folktale, the coming-of-age story and the zombie apocalypse) one might come to expect an almost formulaic style of writing.

Maus discusses in his book how Whitehead spices up the genres by simultaneously abiding by and undermining those limiting formulas of each genre.

Maus also addresses the centrality of race throughout Whitehead's works, and shows how his novels ask readers to reevaluate their assumptions about meanings and values.

"'Understanding Colson Whitehead' offers a thorough, sympathetic and perceptive scholarly guide to reading one of contemporary American literature's most sophisticated authors.Maus simultaneously analyzes Whitehead's novels and essays and their reception, placing both carefully in their proper historical, cultural and literary contexts. In the process, Maus reaffirms Whitehead's status as a truly original and important writer," said Darryl Dickson-Carr, a scholar of African-American satire.

Maus received his bachelor's degree in history and English from the University of Arkansas and went on to earn his master's and Ph.D. in English from the University of North Carolina. Since joining SUNY Potsdam in 2001, Maus has taught more than 32 different courses, ranging from introductory-level composition and literature to graduate-level seminars.

He has also furthered his scholarly work, with a number of publications, as well as conference presentations. Maus is also the recipient of a number of honors and awards, including the Fulbright Lecturing Award.