African American writers /

This biographical dictionary was "designed. . .to complement" the same publisher's 4-volume American Writers (CH, Jan'75). Although one could quibble over inclusion/exclusion decisions, there are no real surprises among the 33 writers who were selected. It is a disappointment, however, to find missing such luminaries as Arna Bontemps, Jessie Redmon Fauset, Alain Locke, and others. The time spectrum covered is wide, starting in the 18th century with Phillis Wheatley and continuing to writers who became prominent in the 1970s and '80s, e.g., Toni Morrison and Gloria Naylor, to name but two. The essays are arranged alphabetically. Each begins with a short biographical sketch, followed by a critical analysis (running 4,000 to 6,000 words) of the author's major works, and ends with a selected bibliography of primary and secondary sources. The essays are well written by a distinguished list of contributors, and the editors are to be congratulated; for while insisting on a uniformity of information, they have retained the distinct flavor of each contributing author. A chronology of significant dates and events and an essay "The Slave Narrative in American Literature" are special features which help to place the African American literary tradition into a broader context. This material can be found in other reference tools, but this volume does bring many of the better-known writers together in one place. Recommended at the high school, college, and university level, especially for those institutions that are not subscribers to more inclusive tools. -F. D. Goff, Bryn Mawr College

This well-written and well-documented book will surely emerge as another classic in the field. As an addendum to the multivolume literary biography set American Writer , published in 1974, it offers a knowledgeable and poignant penetration into a diversity of African American authors who have made a profound contribution in American society. A professional presentation of each selected author contains a brief biography, principle writings, an appraisal of works, a bibliography of modern and paperback editions available, along with an analytical list of books and articles for further research by readers. This excellent guide communicates a message about the fabrics woven into American civilization by African American authors .-- Gayle S. Leach, Wayne State Univ. , Detroit (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.