African American Literature: An Encyclopedia for Students

(Hardback)

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Description

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 literaturesuch as the Harlem Renaissance, the Black Arts Movement, and the Civil Rights Eraand 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.

Reviews

Highly recommended for high school and undergraduate libraries. * Booklist *
Overall, a useful option for its target audience: students. The entries will be accessible to high schoolers, and possibly younger students, as well as college-level readers, who will learn much from the coverage of varied genres, from mystery, romance, and horror, influenced by African American writers. * Library Journal *
Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates, high school students, and general readers. * Choice *

Author Bio

Hans A. Ostrom is an award-winning author, poet, and faculty member at the University of Puget Sound. J. David Macey is a professor of English at the University of Central Oklahoma.