Allegra Goodman, Dona Lee Walters, Elizabeth Cook-Lynn, Elizabeth Laura Adams, Kate Simon, Linda Beatrice Brown, Opal Moore, Pearl Cleage, Ruby Dee, Sarah Elizabeth Wright, Zilpha Elaw

Book Summary: While other works cover individual ethnic literary traditions, this encyclopedia is the first to offer a comprehensive introduction to the spectacularly diverse range of ethnic American writing. Included are more than 1100 alphabetically arranged entries by more than 300 scholars. While most of the entries are biographical, others cover genres, ethnic stereotypes, seminal works, significant places, major historical events, key pieces of legislation, and various other topics that are part of the context of multiethnic America literature. While some of the writers profiled have international reputations, others are emerging artists. The encyclopedia is accessible to students and general readers, and numerous illustrations enhance its appeal to a broad audience.