The Cambridge History of African American Literature

Description

The first major twenty-first century history of four hundred years of black writing, The Cambridge History of African American Literature presents a comprehensive overview of the literary traditions, oral and print, of African-descended peoples in the United States. Expert contributors, drawn from the United States and beyond, emphasise the dual nature of each text discussed as a work of art created by an individual and as a response to unfolding events in American cultural, political, and social history. Unprecedented in scope, sophistication and accessibility, the volume draws together current scholarship in the field. It also looks ahead to suggest new approaches, new areas of study, and as yet undervalued writers and works. The Cambridge History of African American Literature is a major achievement both as a work of reference and as a compelling narrative and will remain essential reading for scholars and students in years to come.

Maryemma Graham is a Professor of English at the University of Kansas, Lawrence. Jerry W. Ward, Jr is a Professor of English at Dillard University, New Orleans.

'The Cambridge History of African American Literature is a very timely contribution to the project of literary history in the 21st century and an invaluable resource for both scholars and students of African American literature. All of the individual chapters offer extremely rich and insightful discussions of many well-known and lesser-known authors and works in their social, historical, political, and aesthetic contexts.' Michael Basseler, Justus-Liebig-Universitat Giessen, Germany 'In its reframing of black discourse, introduction of new paradigms, and charting of new geographies, this collection represents an important and necessary addition to any collection of African American and American literature.' Folashade Alao, University of South Carolina