This essential volume provides an overview of and introduction to African American writers and literary periods from their beginnings through the 21st century. This compact encyclopedia, aimed at students, selects the most important authors, literary movements, and key topics for them to know. Entries cover the most influential and highly regarded African American writers, including novelists, playwrights, poets, and nonfiction writers. The book covers key periods of African American literature—such as the Harlem Renaissance, the Black Arts Movement, and the Civil Rights Era—and touches on the influence of the vernacular, including blues and hip hop. The volume provides historical context for critical viewpoints including feminism, social class, and racial politics. Entries are organized A to Z and provide biographies that focus on the contributions of key literary figures as well as overviews, background information, and definitions for key subjects.

Afro-Americans of the nineteenth century are the invisible poets of our national literature. This anthology brings together 171 poems by 35 poets, from the best known to the unknown, in one volume.

Provides six guided writing assignments along with readings and strategies for writing and research -- all in a brief, flexible, easy-to-use format.

First multi-year cumulation covers six years: 1965-70.