This abridgement collects more than 400 biographies (authors, critics, literary characters and historical figures) of both well-known figures and the lives and careers of writers not found in other reference works. The abridgement also includes the 150 plot summaries of major works.

Profiling writers from Sojourner Truth to Toni Morrison, this "Concise Companion" is one of the most substantial guides available on the growing, exciting world of African-American literature. Includes information on literary characters; general articles on poetry, fiction, and drama; autobiography, slave narratives, and Sunday school literature; and essays on a wide spectrum of topics.