Oxford Companion to African American Literature
For a thorough, yet brief, introduction to the African American literary tradition, check out the entry for "Literary History" in The Oxford Companion to African American Literature. This entry covers the Colonial, Antislavery, and Reconstruction Eras, as well as the Twentieth Century, and is a good starting point for literary research. This companion is extensive and engaging, a reference book worthy of being read cover to cover. Not only does it include entries for authors, characters, and works of note, but also articles on various literary genres (Plantation Tradition, Novel of Passing, Neo-slave Narrative, Speculative Fiction), influences (Moses, Jazz, Civil Rights Movement), themes (Freedom, Identity, Class, Family), and much more. The Companion truly is a seminal work in the field of African American literary studies, and an invaluable resource whether you are reading African American literature for a class or your own personal enjoyment.
--Monique Prince, Undergraduate Services Librarian.