Encyclopedia of African American Actresses in Film and Television

by Bob McCann

The first work of its kind, this encyclopedia provides 360 brief biographies of African American film and television actresses from the silent era to 2009. It includes entries on well-known and nearly forgotten actresses, running the gamut from Academy Award and NAACP Image Award winners to B-film and blaxpoitation era stars. Each entry has a complete filmography of the actress's film, TV, music video or short film credits. The work also features more than 170 photographs, some of them rare images from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

461 pages, Hardcover

First published December 8, 2009

Reviews

[Tom]

McCann, B. (2010). Encyclopedia of african american actresses in film and television. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Co.

Citation created by: Tom Shaw

Call Number: PN1995.9.N4 M345 2009

Description: This reference resource contains 360 entries of African-American film and television actresses.

Content/Scope: Actresses from the dawn of film and television mediums to the Blaxploitation era of the 70s are included in a single volume containing period photographs from the NAACP archives.

Accuracy/Authority: This book has received positive reviews by reputable review sources.

Arrangement/Presentation: Encompassing over 450 pages, this selection includes 180 photographs, some of them rare images from Harlem's Schomburg Institute and other sources

Timeliness/Permanence: This historical reference book was published in 2010, so its content and relevance will change little in the future.

Cost: $60.00

Rational for Selection: Over 80 percent of Central High School’s student body is African-American. The school is almost 70 percent female. This book would be appropriate for humanities classes and the social sciences.

Professional Review: Booklist, September 15, 2010.