African American Biographies - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0717260909 ISBN 13: 9780717260904

Publisher: Grolier Academic Reference, 1662

Synopsis

10 Volume set of African American Biographies

About this title

From Booklist

*Starred Review* More than 1,000 biographies of African Americans are provided in this attractive set. Entries cover a gamut of achievers: leaders of abolition, slaves, politicians, civil-rights activists, lawyers, educators, physicians, scientists, religious figures, military personnel, journalists, business leaders, artists, astronauts, entertainers, and sports figures. Some are familiar (Duke Ellington); some are less well known (surgeon Vivien Thomas). Some are historical figures (Frederick Douglass); some are contemporaries (Mary J. Blige). But all share one significant common thread: these are Americans who through their perseverance and determination achieved acclaim, helped to shape black history, or have made a mark on society today despite prejudice and other race-related barriers.

Entries are one or two pages and arranged in alphabetical order. Each entry describes the subject's life and achievements and includes a portrait in black and white or in color. A "Key Dates" box notes pertinent dates, and in the two-page entries, an "Influences and Inspiration" box explains the subject's motivating factors and impact. See also references direct the researcher to other related entries. Further-reading lists generally provide one book title and a Web site with a brief annotation. Random searches of the additional suggested reference materials found them to be readily available. Approximately 15 longer "Guidepost" articles on topics such as "Black Identity and Popular Culture," "Civil Rights," "The Color Bar and Professional Sports," and "Religion and African Americans" are interspersed among the entries and help provide context for the biographies. Individual volumes conclude with the set index.

It is nearly impossible to find fault with this important and visually appealing set. From the high quality of the paper to the layout of the pages, the attention given to creating a superior source is evident. For the student researcher, the material is clear, concise, and user-friendly in presentation. Most importantly, the sheer number of personalities who are profiled makes this a high-priority purchase for public and school libraries, particularly those serving middle-school and high-school students. cheryl ward
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up–Context is key in this set's coverage of more than 1000 remarkable African Americans, including politicians, athletes, entertainers, activists, educators, businesspeople, and doctors, ranging from the well-known (Condoleezza Rice, Harriet Tubman, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) to the less familiar (cowboy Nat Love, Moorish Science Temple of America founder Noble Drew Ali, physician Susan McKinney Steward). The one- to two-page alphabetical entries begin with a brief description of the subjects' achievements and an explanation of why they are important. A chronological overview of their lives follows with emphasis on their connections to other notable African Americans and to events in history. Each entry also features a black-and-white or color photo or illustration of the person, a Key Dates box, and notes pointing to other relevant entries, as well as books and Web sites for further information. Some also include a box highlighting Influences and Inspiration. Guidepost articles elaborate on specific aspects of the African-American experience, such as the Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, and other political movements. Coverage is well balanced, with equal representation from historical and current figures. An index in each volume includes major movements, organizations, and movie and song titles. Easy to use and informative.–Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Grolier Academic Reference
• Publication date: 1662
• ISBN 10: 0717260909
• ISBN 13: 9780717260904
• Binding: Hardcover