Wilson, Charles E.

Presents critical analyses of eight novels by Walter Mosley, creator of the African-American detective Easy Rawlins, each with a plot synopsis, character portraits, thematic discussions, and historical contexts, and includes a biography of the author.

Profiles twentieth-century African-American author Gloria Naylor, describing her life and literary heritage, and discussing the novels "The Women of Brewster Place," "Linden Hills," "Mama Day," "Bailey's Cafe," and "The Men of Brewster Place.".

Contains twelve essays that describe how racial issues are presented in major literary works such as Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird, " and includes plot summaries, historical background, and a discussion of overt and subtle racism.