Contemporary African American Literature

<p>In this volume Lovalerie King and Shirley Moody-Turner have compiled a collection of essays that offer access to some of the most innovative contemporary black fiction while addressing important issues in current African American literary studies. Distinguished scholars Houston Baker Trudier Harris Darryl Dickson-Carr and Maryemma Graham join writers and younger scholars to explore the work of Toni Morrison Edward P. Jones Trey Ellis Paul Beatty Mat Johnson Kyle Baker Danzy Senna Nikki Turner and many others. The collection is bracketed by a foreword by novelist and graphic artist Mat Johnson one of the most exciting and innovative contemporary African American writers and an afterword by Alice Randall author of the controversial parody <i>The Wind Done Gone</i>. Together King and Moody-Turner make the case that diversity innovation and canon expansion are essential to maintaining the vitality of African American literary studies.</p>