The first comprehensive anthology of 20th-century African-American poetry, this rich collection of gems from the turn of the century through the Harlem Renaissance to today is a companion volume to Calling the Wind: 20th-Century African-American Short Stories. Authors include Langston Hughes, Alice Walker, Richard Wright, Ishmael Reed and others. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

There are nearly 100 contributors in this massive companion volume to the well-received Calling the Wind: 20th-Century African-American Short Stories, also edited by Major. Along with the expected contributors (e.g., Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, Amiri Baraka, Audre Lorde and Rita Dove), works by less-recognized writers appear. There are the proud, gentle poems of Angela Weld Grimk (1880-1958); Gerald Barrax's quiet lyrics; cutting portraits of New York City by Henry Dumas (1934-1968); Ellease Southerland's explorations of her spiritual and physical relationship with her African heritage; Essex Hemphill's tragicomic image of nailing Barbie doll heads to telephone poles. In his overview, Major, a professor at UC-Davis, traces African American poetry back to slavery and spirituals but also cites the influence of white poets (e.g., William Carlos Williams) in the work of several contributors. He also considers less worthy efforts, particularly early in this century, in this valuable resource. (Feb.) From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Langston Hughes, Claude McKay, and Gwendolyn Brooks loom over this anthology of almost 100 20th-century African American poets. Hughes's immortal lament for a "dream deferred," McKay's memorable "The Lynching," and Brooks's moving "Bronzeville Woman in a Red Hat"‘great American poems by any standards‘retain a universal largeness. The quality of the poetry is quite high. These many distinctive voices, exploring a legacy of injustice and racism, represent a fundamental achievement of American poetry. Editor Major (English, University of California,‘Davis) includes black poets who "trace some of their ancestors to Africa and who have lived as blacks in the United States, irrespective of where, in the Diaspora, they happened to have been born." This valuable, comprehensive work arranges poets in chronological order by year of birth. Includes an author's note, biographical notes, and 17-page introduction but no index. Recommended for all libraries.‘Frank Allen, Northamption Community Coll., Tannersville, Pa. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information