This is a useful historical-critical account of the African-American novel (with some reference to poetry and drama) up to James Baldwin. It is comprehensive and well detailed, drawing on just about all of the critical material available at the time of writing. The basic critical principle which informs the study, that of what constitutes "good" creative writing, may stimulate discussion. The analysis of Baldwin's work, which properly takes most of the writer's attention, is sensible and persuasive. Edward Baugh