Each volume of Contemporary Black Biography contains at least 65 full-length biographies written in an easy-to-follow prose style, ranging from 2 to 4 pages each. Arranged alphabetically, entries are divided by subheads for quick scanning. Sections cover:
- Portrait (as available)
- Date and place of birth
- Educational background
- Address
- Career data
- Memberships
- Awards received
- Detailed prose essay
- Complete source citations
Contemporary Black Biography is not limited to coverage of only notable black Americans, nor is it restricted by a manufactured definition of contemporary. Its multinational coverage spans this century and includes rising personalities as well as groundbreakers and newsmakers in a variety of fields.
Contemporary Black Biography includes four cumulative indexes:
- Nationality: While concentrating on U.S. figures, this title also covers important personalities from other countries. Find them listed by nationality here.
- Occupation: Editors focus on biographies not typically found in other sources — an eclectic blend of well-known and well-respected educators, physicians, politicians, activists, writers, clergy, military leaders, attorneys, as well as members of the more glamorous occupations such as athletes, fashion models and actors
- Subjects: Events, places and organizations 01
Reference books like this one are in demand because they instill pride and serve as a source of inspiration. This inaugural volume features 71 biographies in two-to-four-page-long, quick-reading essays; the large-print type is a nice plus. Representing a wide variety of fields, occupations, and careers, the personalities profiled here range from Rosa Parks to rap singer Queen Latifah, from Thurgood Marshall to comedian and actor Sinbad. "Contemporary" does not just mean living or born in the 20th century: deceased persons and a few individuals born in the 19th century are included, too. While many of the "subjects" are listed in other reference sources, such as The Negro Almanac ( LJ 6/1/90), Who's Who Among Black Americans ( LJ 5/15/90), and the Encyclopedia of Black Americans ( LJ 5/15/81), some are not, especially "new" persons who have not yet become household names. Current Biography Yearbook (Wilson) by no means includes all of these personalities either. While a biannual publication schedule is planned, information about individuals gaining fame could be obtained more quickly if Contemporary Black Biography were published more frequently. It also would have been helpful if the periodical and newspaper listings in the sources sections had included page numbers. The greatest value of this tool is that it will catch the eye of many library users and will be taken off the shelf and perused. Contemporary Black Biography will be a sure "seller," even though some of the information is obtainable elsewhere. Overall, recommended.
- Katherine Dahl, Western Illinois Univ., Macomb
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
