African American Autobiographers: A Sourcebook

(Hardback)

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Description

There is growing popular and scholarly interest in autobiography, along with increasing regard for the achievements of African American writers. The first reference of its kind, this volume chronicles the autobiographical tradition in African American literature. Included are alphabetically arranged entries for 66 African American authors who present autobiographical material in their works. The volume profiles major figures, such as Frederick Douglass, Zora Neale Hurston, Richard Wright, Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and Malcolm X, along with many lesser known autobiographers who deserve greater attention. While some are known primarily for their literary accomplishments, others have gained acclaim for their diverse contributions to society. The entries are written by expert contributors and provide authoritative information about their subjects. Each begins with a concise biography, which summarizes the life and achievements of the autobiographer. This is followed by a discussion of major autobiographical works and themes, along with an overview of the autobiographer's critical reception. The entries close with primary and secondary bibliographies, and a selected, general bibliography concludes the volume. Together, the entries provide a detailed portrait of the African American autobiographical tradition from the 18th century to the present.

Reviews

.,."a valuable beginning in the study of this little-understood aspect of African American literary culture in the United States. This book will be of interest to libraries with minority and American literature collections."-Reference & User Services Quarterly
.,."unique reference tool...Suitable for larger academic and public libraries."-Library Journal
...a valuable beginning in the study of this little-understood aspect of African American literary culture in the United States. This book will be of interest to libraries with minority and American literature collections.-Reference & User Services Quarterly
...unique reference tool...Suitable for larger academic and public libraries.-Library Journal
The book expands the knowledge of enthusiasts while opening the door to writers of fiction. Undergraduate, graduate, and public libraries.-Choice
This book provides readers and researchers with the ability to examine African American autobiography as a genre and can also be used by students interested in delving into the autobiographical aspects of the work of those who are better known for their novels, poems, and other writings...useful for libraries with African American collections as well as public, and academic libraries that wish to have comprehensive coverage of African American autobiographical writings.-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin
This scholarly survey should find an audience in both public and academic libraries.-Lawrence Looks at Books
This volume provides an introduction to the diversity of writing in this tradition from the mid-18th century to the late 1990s. The 67 voices represented range alphabetically from Elizabeth Laura Adams to Richard Wright. Entries include the author's biography, autobiographical works and themes, and critical reception; and a bibliography of works and studies.-Reference & Research Book News
..."a valuable beginning in the study of this little-understood aspect of African American literary culture in the United States. This book will be of interest to libraries with minority and American literature collections."-Reference & User Services Quarterly
..."unique reference tool...Suitable for larger academic and public libraries."-Library Journal
"The book expands the knowledge of enthusiasts while opening the door to writers of fiction. Undergraduate, graduate, and public libraries."-Choice
"This scholarly survey should find an audience in both public and academic libraries."-Lawrence Looks at Books
"This volume provides an introduction to the diversity of writing in this tradition from the mid-18th century to the late 1990s. The 67 voices represented range alphabetically from Elizabeth Laura Adams to Richard Wright. Entries include the author's biography, autobiographical works and themes, and critical reception; and a bibliography of works and studies."-Reference & Research Book News
"This book provides readers and researchers with the ability to examine African American autobiography as a genre and can also be used by students interested in delving into the autobiographical aspects of the work of those who are better known for their novels, poems, and other writings...useful for libraries with African American collections as well as public, and academic libraries that wish to have comprehensive coverage of African American autobiographical writings."-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin

Author Bio

EMMANUEL S. NELSON is Professor of English at State University of New York College at Cortland. Author of more than 40 scholarly articles on various international literatures in English, he has edited numerous books, including Contemporary African American Novelists (1999), African American Authors, 1745-1945 (2000), and Asian American Novelists (2000), all available from Greenwood Press.