Not only one of the last of over one hundred slave narratives published separately before the Civil War, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl (1861) is also one of the few existing narratives written by a woman. It offers a unique perspective on the complex plight of the black woman as slave and as writer. In a story that merges the conventions of the slave narrative with the techniques of the sentimental novel, Harriet Jacobs describes her efforts to fight off the advances of her master, her eventual liaison with another white man (the father of two of her children), and her ultimately successful struggle for freedom. Jacobs' account of her experiences, and her search for her own voice, prefigure the literary and ideological concerns of generations of African-American women writers to come.

Careful study of the Nat Turner slave rebellion of 1831 reveals much about master, slaves, and the relationship between them in the antebellum South. The central document in this volume — Nat Turner's confession follwing the rebellion in Virginia — is supported by newspaper articles, trial transcripts, and excerpts from the diary of Virginia governor John Floyd.

A Black family is united in love and pride as they struggle to overcome poor living conditions

Gathers the erotic writings of such authors as Alice Walker, Gloria Naylor, Charles Blockson, Audre Lourde, and Essex Hemphill

African-American writer's pioneering novel parallels his own life, probes the psychological aspects of "passing for white," and examines the American caste and class system. Major contribution to American literature.

The author records the years in which her life hinged on retaining her pride and dignity among the street people of Los Angeles

Profiles the late African American leader, providing a startling picture of the life of the controversial and important historical figure. Reprint.

Features photographs and biographies of thirteen African American women, including Maya Angelou, Ruby Dee, and Alice Walker

A collection of poems from the author's earlier books combined with a dozen new poems interweave memory and history