1. Encyclopedia of African-American Writing: Five Centuries of Contribution: Trials & triumphs of writers, poets, publications and organizations
Edited by Bryan Conn and Tara Bynum
This encyclopedia contains around 800 entries about African American playwrights, authors, preachers, intellectuals, journalists, and poets, along with cultural publications (like the Chicago Daily Defender and the African American Review) and subjects (like the Black Arts Movement and Black Lives Matter). It covers the 18th century through the current day (published in 2019). Appendixes include a timeline, a categorization of writers, and a reference list, among others. This resource is a great entry point into African American literature and culture. With detailed, concise entries, it can help you, as a student, learn more about this important part of literary history and discover important figures.
Available online: https://online-salempress-com.libproxy.albany.edu/toc.do?bookMetaId=aaw3e
Available at the University Library Reference section. Call number: PS153.N5 A3444 2018
2. The Oxford Encyclopedia of American Literature
Edited by Jay Parini
These four volumes include 350 essays covering American literature from the European discovery of the Americas to 2004. There are many entries about writers, which include information about their lives, inventories of their publications, and analyses of their literary significance. The encyclopedia also covers American literary movements and themes. This is a helpful, comprehensive, accurate, and detailed introduction to American authors and movements. However, it lacks information from most of the 21st century since it was published in 2004.
Available online: https://www-oxfordreference-com.libproxy.albany.edu/display/10.1093/acref/9780195156539.001.0001/acref-9780195156539
Available at the University Library Reference section. Call number: PS 21 E537 2004
3. The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Asian American Literature
by Guiyou Huang
This encyclopedia covers the later 19th century through 2007. There are 272 entries which include information on prominent Asian-American authors, genres, works, and themes. Many types of Asian-American heritage are represented, from Vietnam to Japan, Afghanistan, and the Pacific Islands. This is a comprehensive resource that reflects the diverse nature of Asian Americans and their literary impact. With concise, easy-to-read entries, any student studying American literature will benefit from this useful look at marginalized voices in American culture. Entries only cover information through 2007, but over a century of valuable literary history is covered.
Available at the University Library Reference section. Call number: PS 153 A84 G74 2009