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There has been a dramatic resurgence of interest in early African American writing. The works of dozens of 18th and early 20th century black writers have been recovered and reprinted; there has been a significant revival of interest in the Harlem Renaissance; and several major assessments of 18th and 19th century African American literature have recently been published. This reference book provides alphabetically arranged entries for 78 African American writers active between 1745 and 1945. Each entry is written by an expert contributor and includes a biography, a discussion of major works and themes, a summary of the critical response to the author, and primary and secondary bibliographies. A selected, general bibliography concludes the volume. ... Read more

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Here's a one stop resource, containing 100 profiles of your favorite contemporary African American writers, along with complete lists of their works. Focusing on writers who have made their mark in the past 25 years, this guide stresses African American writers of popular and genre literature-from Rochelle Alers and Octavia Butler, and Samuel Delaney to Walter Mosley, and Omar Tyree, with a few classic literary giants also included.Short profiles provide an overview of the author's life and summarize his or her writing accomplishments. Many are accompanied by black-and-white photos of the author. The biographies are followed by a complete list of the author's published works.

Where can you find information about popular, contemporary African American authors? Web sites can be difficult to locate and unreliable, particularly for some of the newer authors, and their contents are inconsistent and often inaccurate. Although there are a number of reference works on African American writers, the emphasis tends to be on historical and literary authors. Here's a single volume containing 100 profiles of your favorite contemporary African American writers, along with lists of their works. Short profiles provide an overview of the author's life and summarize his or her writing accomplishments. Many are accompanied by black-and-white photos of the author. The biographies are followed by a complete list of the author's published works.

Focusing on writers who have made their mark in the past 25 years, this guide covers African American writers of popular and genre literature—from Rochelle Alers, Octavia Butler, and Samuel Delaney to Walter Mosley, Omar Tyree, and Zane. A few classic literary giants who are popular with today's readers are also included—e.g., Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, and Richard Wright. Readers who want to know more about their favorite African American authors or find other books written by those authors, students researching AA authors for reports and papers, and educators seeking background information for classes in African American literature will find this guide invaluable. (High school and up.)

Product Description
A timely survey of an important sector of American letters, African American Writers, examines a multitude of black cultural leaders from the eighteenth century to the present as it focuses on novelists, essayists, scholars, activists, critics, teachers, poets, playwrights, and songwriters. Biographical information covers important events in a writer s life, education, major works, honors and awards, family and important associates, and more. Includes illustrations, bibliography, and index. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Significant contribution to Afro-American literary history.
African-American Writers provides an important, basic survey ofAfro-American literary history which should be included in everycollege-level library with minority studies programs: African-AmericanWriters provides comprehensive biographical background information on thewriters and provides an important reference dictionary to individuals andliterary themes alike. ... Read more

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This Guide includes the primary and secondary works and summaries of plays of 15 prominent African American women playwrights including Lorraine Hansberry, Ntozake Shange, Adrienne Kennedy, Alice Childress, Zora Neale Hurston, Georgia Douglas Johnson. During the last 10 to 15 years, critical consideration of contemporary as well as earlier black women playwrights has blossomed. Plays by black women are increasingly anthologized and two recently published anthologies devote themselves solely to black women dramatists. In light of the growing interest in scholarship concerning African American women playwrights, researchers and librarians need a bibliographical source that brings together the profiles interviews, critical material and primary sources of black female playwrights. This guide will provide a bibliographical essay reviewing the scholarship of black women playwrights as well as for each playwright: a biography, summaries of each play detailed annotations of secondary material, and list of primary sources. ... Read more

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Covering 46 poets from more than two centuries of African American literary history, this biocritical dictionary is an important contribution to any reference collection. The poets are situated within their historical and literary context, and for each a brief biographical sketch is given, with information on the poet's personal history, education, influences, and accomplishments. Each entry examines the poet's work as a whole, with a discussion of selected important poems and their recurrent themes. Students and interested readers will gain a good appreciation for the stylistic features and artistic contributions made by these African American poets. For further research, each essay concludes with a list of the poet's published book-length works, anthologies where their poetry appears, and information on reference resources. ... Read more

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During the last two decades, African American writers have emerged as a distinct and dominant force in world literature. This reference book offers lively, concise, and current information about the lives and imaginative works of 79 contemporary African American novelists. Each of the alphabetically arranged entries begins with a biographical sketch of the author, offers a judicious critical assessment of the author's major works, provides a representative sample of the critical responses the author's books have elicited, and concludes with a selected bibliography that lists the author's publications as well as useful secondary material. Included are entries for major figures, such as Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, James Baldwin, and Ralph Ellison, but many noteworthy young writers also receive the attention they deserve. Forty-one of the 79 writers discussed are women, and roughly a dozen of the novelists have identified themselves as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Intended for students and advanced scholars alike, the volume is sophisticated yet accessible to a wide audience. ... Read more

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Despite their significant contributions to the American theater, African American dramatists have received less critical attention than novelists and poets. This reference offers thorough critical assessments of the lives and works of African American playwrights from the 19th century to the present. The book alphabetically arranges entries on more than 60 dramatists, including James Baldwin, Arna Bontemps, Ossie Davis, Zora Neale Hurston, and Richard Wright. Each entry is written by an expert contributor and includes a biography, a discussion of major works and themes, a summary of the playwright's critical reception, and primary and secondary bibliographies. The volume closes with a selected, general bibliography.

African American dramatists have made enormous contributions to the theater and their works are included in numerous editions and anthologies. Some of the most popular plays of the 20th century have been written by African Americans, and high school students and undergraduates study their works. But for all their popularity and influence, African American playwrights have received less critical attention than poets and novelists. This reference offers thorough critical assessments of more than 60 African American dramatists from the 19th century to the present.

Customer Reviews (1)

I wrote the entry on Ron Milner
So I'm biased.The entry on Ron Milner is one of the most fabulous pieces of non-fiction writing ever recorded in the history of African American Dramatists.Seriously, this is a wonderful resource.This book includes the expected entries on Hughes, Hurston and the like, but also entries on the lesser-knowns, such as Ron Milner. ... Read more

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The long-awaited third edition of a classicThe new Third Edition of this renowned reference work illuminates African American contributions to the genre of books for children and young adults with the biographies of 121 new 247 authors and artists. The book presents a rich source of biographical data on each individual, covering birthplace, education, their approach to art or literature, career development, awards and honors received, families, and current place of residence. Over 120 photographs of the subjects bring the biographies to life, and 46 covers of important children's books are reproduced in black and white. The new edition includes 121 new biographies.
These special features make it easy to find a wealth of informationThe entries cite publication dates of the subject's books, and many of the narratives are preceded by a personal statement which can serve as an inspirational source to the reader. An extensive title index lists over 1,250 books by black authors and illustrators, and the book features a handy list of publishers, bookstores, and distributors arranged by state, making it easy for readers to locate books of interest. A listing of annual awards presented to African American authors and illustrators by the Caldecott, Newbery, and Boston Globe-Horn Book award committees and a complete, up-to-date listing of the Coretta Scott King award and honor recognitions enhance the usefulness of this book for parents, librarians, educators, and young readers. ... Read more

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Chronicling the autobiographical tradition in African American literature from the 18th century to the present, this volume features 66 authors from Maya Angelou to Malcolm X. Alphabetized entries, written by expert contributors, include concise biographies, overviews of autobiographical works and themes, reviews of critical receptions, and bibliographies. ... Read more

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"Some 230 writers are included, and for each the compiler has provided, in addition to a publication history, a brief summary of educational background, occupation, and honors and awards obtained. The most important feature of any work of this kind is the careful selection of those names to be included. Foster has chosen well. . . . Inclusion of lesser-known authors makes this volume useful." Choice ... Read more

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Reveals the triumphs and struggles of some of America's most inspirational writers - Phillis Wheatley, Frederick Douglas, Frances Harper, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Richard Wright. ... Read more

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A compilation of biographies about powerful African American women who made their mark in the publishing industry. Literary Divas share their pain, struggles, desires, and triumphs through their written words as messengers of time and circumstance. Their triumphs and achievements to socio- political cries disguised within novels, poetry, non-fiction reference resources, childrenÂ’s books, romance novels, mysteries and todayÂ’s urban books invite readers to journey through their experiences from bold love and romance to unabashed self-identity crisis and political issues to the plight of todayÂ’s Black family and rise in rank all the way to the top. Literary DivasÂ’ stories will amaze as well as make us cry, bring joy and laughter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Essential
"Literary Divas" by Heather Covington is historically vital. It leaves our African American literary tracks across the world.

Minnie E Miller
Author/Publisher

An Elegant, Worthy Read!
Literary Divas is not only a wonderful read, but also a great reference book for those who want to learn more about the lives and accomplishments of African-American women in literature. As one of the Literary Divas listed in the book, I am both humbled and extremely honored to be included with the likes of my most reverered black female writers.Heather Covington has created a truly inspiring work that will enlighten, inform and entertain. A great book!I truly look forward to her next project.

Bravo!!!!
Heather's book was an awesome read. As a writer myself, it was great to read about other literary divas who pave the way for me daily. Heather gave me my first recognition as a writer and I am so happy to see her thriving! Keep up the good work, girl!!!!

C. Highsmith-Hooks

Excellente!Our Nubian Queens Strikes Again
This book touches my heart deeply.Heather is thoughtful and remembers those who came before us to pave the way.She isa giving and caring person, who shares her knowledge and energy with everyone, if you ever meet Heather, you will understand, why this book is such a hit. She is truly a Nubian Queen and she does and outstanding job within the literary world.

I am most proud of her this is a fine display of professionalism, I love the book, when I picked this book up at the BEA, I looked at the cover and it brought tears to my eyes and joy to my soul.I thought "Look at all my fine upstanding sisters.PIt is our history all done up in the royal color of honor, purple.

To say the leastone of my authors put this masterpiece together;and to top that one of my others authors, Renee Flagler, Miss-Guided, was listed in the issue as one the Diva's my favorite word came in to play, "Blown away,"and that is exactly what happened to me when I laid eyes on this work of art. I was Blown Away, standing there breathless!Outstanding,

As my youngs one say "You Go Girl"

This surpasses 5 stars if could I'd give this 10 stars.This book is a collectable and every home should have one, we come a long way baby, and we better keep a record.I tell you $16.95 is a steal...I know because I sell books and I know the quality of books and how they should priced, this one is underpriced. So value your discount and buy your copy today!!!!


Carol & Brenda
The Book Ladies of Queens
C&B Books Distribution
Great Job**********

Long overdue but right on time...
this books pays homage to the literary divas who paved the way for us and for those who are the trailblazers of today.

It has three sections: Literary divas, Editorial Divas, and Divas Gone Too soon (such as Zora Neale Hurston) and provides a detailed biography and bibliography of each sister included. I had a chance to speak with Heather at BEA and she said she is hard at work on Literary Dons, which I will be getting as soon as it is available! While some may disagree with the inclusions or exclusions, ALL will be impressed.

Out of all the books I was able to procure at BEA, THIS is the one that I opened first and it was truly empowering to see us lauded for our talents, and was also very inspiring.If you are a black woman who loves to read or actually work in publishing, then you MUST have this book - and strive to make the next list! I know I will! ... Read more

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Black Authors and Illustrators of Books for Children and Young Adults is a biographical dictionary that provides comprehensive coverage of all major authors and illustrators – past and present. As the only reference volume of its kind available, this book is a valuable research tool that provides quick access for anyone studying black children’s literature – whether one is a student, a librarian charged with maintaining a children’s literature collection, or a scholar of children’s literature.

The Fourth Edition of this renowned reference work illuminates African American contributions to children’s literature and books for young adults. The new edition contains updated and new information for existing author/illustrator entries, the addition of approximately 50 new profiles, and a new section listing online resources of interest to the authors and readers of black children’s literature.

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent reference of Black Authors, Illustrators for Kids
Definitely a book for the library reference section.A valuable home reference for those involved in multicultural literature and African American children's and young adult literature.The fourth edition includes extensive biographical information, such as author and illustrator websites and email, bookcovers, listing of Coretta Scott King Award and Honor Books from 1970 - 2006 and a listing of African American- owned bookstores in the US.I enjoy the in-depth bibliographic information for each author and illustrator.The MAJOR disappointment is the lack of fact checking of the bookstore list, which includes several that are out-of-business or moved to new locations.The fourth edition does include new entries and has deleted some entries from previous editions.Yes, it's a must have. ... Read more

Product Description
Profiles 150 authors and artists whose works have been published in the US. Thirty-five entries are new to this edition; the others have been updated. Appendices identify awards and honor books, series, and addresses of publishers, bookstores, and distributors. Indexed by book title. Includes photo ... Read more