Literary Criticism

A landmark critical approach to the study of African American poetry, this seminal work sanctions the view that the voices of the Black Arts Movement are valid areas of scholarly inquiry.

Examining early African American literature from the perspective of a Black Nationalist literary critic, this analysis explores important novels from the 19th and 20th centuries. The discussion demonstrates that Black Nationalist themes were present in many early novels, prefiguring the themes that would become the centerpiece of the Black Power Movement. One of the few books that examines early African American novels, this definitive exploration of them adds to the discussion of black literature and literary criticism.

Representing conversations from the Eighth National Black Writers Conference in 2006, this collection provides in-depth meditations and analyses of literature by black writers. Reflections on the black experience, the American experience, and a more global experience and worldview are all widely discussed, as well as future trends and ascensions for black literature. Students, teachers, journalists, and other writers will welcome the chance to view parts of the writing process and see inside the heads of prominent black writers. Participants include Marita Golden, Walter Mosley, Ishmael Reed, Herb Boyd, Valerie Boyd, Haki R. Madhubuti, Elizabeth Nunez, Tananarive Due, Valerie Wilson Wesley, Camille Yarbrough, Susan McHenry, and many others.

Ten literary experts on the work of Gwendolyn Brooks unite in this collection to provide in-depth analysis on ""Maud Martha."" Through various essays, this volume explores socio-economic implications, the portrayal of the Black family and the Black woman, the contemporary culture in Chicago's Bronzeville, and the literary skills of Brooks.

This comprehensive analysis of the life and work of Haki R. Madhubuti demonstrates why he is such a pivotal figure in black literature. Both his life experiences and literary contributions are explored, highlighting his roles as political activist, writer, educator, and husband. A concise yet thorough examination of an oft-overlooked period of black literary history is also included. This discussion argues that Madhubuti more than most of his contemporaries successfully transformed from poet-activist to modern-day visionary and continues to challenge the status quo in pursuit of justice and peace.

These essays give the reader clear insight into the thinking of a Black educator and intellectual. The book offers a trenchant analysis of the writings and philosophy of some of the prominent writers and thinkers of African descent with particular emphasis upon those who conform to the Black nationalist thinking.

An examination of the work of Gwendolyn Brooks with the background of the current socio-political scene in Chicago's Bronzeville in its heyday.

In Warriors, Conjurers and Priests: Defining African-centered Literary Criticism, Joyce Ann Joyce brilliantly merges her vision of African American literary criticism with her understanding of the politics of higher education. Collected together, these essays depict the literary critic as a shaman and literary conjurer, steeped in the spirituality and history of Black culture. Her analysis offers perceptive readings of major Black literary figures of the 20th century - including Gwendolyn Brooks, Sonia Sanchez, James Baldwin, Ann Petry, Terry McMillan, Ishmael Reed and others. Professor Joyce demonstrates extensive research, while illustrating the interconnectedness of fiction and poetry to historical, political and cultural reality. At the same time, she provides balanced critiques rather than one-sidedness posing as universality. Most importantly, hers is a voice that recognizes the heterogeneity of the Black community and, in hopes of heightening understanding, does not fear discussing the strengths and weaknesses of diverse views.

Seventeen writers, educators, and close friends of the late poet contribute their praise through this collection of brief anecdotes from actual encounters with Gwendolyn Brooks. The contributors relate the poet's influences on their art, their lives, and the world; expressing their indebtedness for the revolutionary language of her poems, her universal maternity, and her outstanding kindness. Some of Brook's most influential poems are included such that this tribute keeps her words and wisdom alive.