Icons of African American Literature: The Black Literary World

(Hardback)

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Description

The 24 entries in this book provide extensive coverage of some of the most notable figures in African American literature, such as Alice Walker, Richard Wright, and Zora Neale Hurston. Icons of African American Literature: The Black Literary World examines 24 of the most popular and culturally significant topics within African American literature's long and immensely fascinating history. Each piece provide substantial, in-depth informationmuch more than a typical encyclopedia entrywhile remaining accessible and appealing to general and younger readers. Arranged alphabetically, the entries cover such writers as Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and August Wilson; major works, such as Invisible Man, Native Son, and Their Eyes Were Watching God; and a range of cultural topics, including the black arts movement, the Harlem Renaissance, and the jazz aesthetic. Written by expert contributors, the essays discuss the enduring significance of these topics in American history and popular culture. Each entry also provides sidebars that highlight interesting information and suggestions for further reading.

Reviews

This title is the newest (and a welcome) addition to the Icon series, from Greenwood Icons. In this rich, well-written resource, students and fans alike find a detailed yet approachable overview of the major players and movements within African American literature. . . . Highly recommended as an academic library purchase, especially if the library owns other books in the Icon series, though the book is strong enough to stand on its own merit. Large public libraries with a significant African American literature readership will also find this tome to be a worthwhile collection purchase. * Booklist *

Author Bio

Yolanda Williams Page is professor and chair of the Department of English, Theatre, and Mass Communication at the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff. Her published works include Greenwood's Encyclopedia of African American Women Writers.