The novel is set in the American South during the Reconstruction Era following the Civil War. It tells the story of the challenges and injustices faced by newly emancipated African Americans and explores themes of racial prejudice, discrimination, and the struggle for civil rights. The title, "Bricks Without Straw," is a reference to the biblical story of the Israelites in Egypt, who were forced to make bricks without straw, symbolizing the harsh conditions faced by African Americans during this period.Albion W. Tourgée was a lawyer, judge, and writer who was actively involved in civil rights advocacy. "Bricks Without Straw" is an example of his storytelling style, which combined a narrative with a strong social and political message.While Tourgée's novels may not be as widely read today as some other classic works, they are recognized for their contributions to the understanding of the post-Civil War South and the challenges faced by African Americans during the Reconstruction Era.