The Cambridge Companion to African American Women's Literature [Hardcover]

This Companion highlights the artistry, complexity and diversity of a literary tradition that ranges from Lucy Terry to Toni Morrison.This Companion presents fourteen vibrant new contributions to the debate on African American women's literature. Covering a period that dates back to the eighteenth century, these specially commissioned essays highlight the artistry, complexity and diversity of a literary tradition that ranges from Lucy Terry to Toni Morrison.This Companion presents fourteen vibrant new contributions to the debate on African American women's literature. Covering a period that dates back to the eighteenth century, these specially commissioned essays highlight the artistry, complexity and diversity of a literary tradition that ranges from Lucy Terry to Toni Morrison.The Cambridge Companion to African American Women's Literature covers a period dating back to the eighteenth century. These specially commissioned essays highlight the artistry, complexity and diversity of a literary tradition that ranges from Lucy Terry to Toni Morrison. A wide range of topics are addressed, from the Harlem Renaissance to the Black Arts Movement, and from the performing arts to popular fiction. Together, the essays provide an invaluable guide to a rich, complex tradition of women writers in conversation with each other as they critique American society and influence American letters. Accessible and vibrant, with the needs of undergraduate students in mind, this Companion will be of great interest to anybody who wishes to gain a deeper understanding of this important and vital area of American literature.Chronology of major works and events; Introduction Angelyn Mitchell and Danille Taylor; Part I. History, Contexts, and Criticism: 1. Early African American women's literature Frances Smith Foster and LaRose Davis; 2. Women of the Harlem Renaissance Cheryl A. Wall; 3. Women writers of the Black Arts Movement Eleanor W. Traylor; 4. Contemporary African American women writers DlÃ{