Framing the cultural conflict between US blacks and whites as partly a clash between orality and literacy, Nelson (English, State U. of New York, Cortland) explains that autobiographical narrative surfaced as the primary genre of African Americans when black literacy emerged. This volume provides an introduction to the diversity of writing in this tradition from the mid-18th century to the late 1990's. The 67 voices represented range alphabetically from Elizabeth Laura Adams to Richard Wright. Entries include the author's biography, autobiographical works and themes, and critical reception; and a bibliography of works and studies. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR.