"This recent addition to the Blackwell Companions to American History series attests to the maturity of African American history as a discipline and its movement from the margins of academia to its role as a central component of the historical profession ... [It] stands as a useful introduction to the study of African American history and its development. No doubt, students will benefit from this exposure to the breadth of African American historiography." Journal of Southern History "Provide[s] good introductions to the writing on the subject ... just the right balance between historiography and a survey incorporating quotations and illustrations." History “A Companion to African American History is a valuable contribution of original essays. Its comprehensive coverage of themes and topics make this an important volume and essential reading for scholars, students, and general interest readers.” Darlene Clark Hine, Northwestern University “Professor Hornsby has assembled a remarkable array of scholars whose essays tell the story of African Americans from African roots to present day struggles for identity and a place in American society. These exceptional essays illustrating the critical role that race and African American culture played in forming American culture are essential reading for anyone seeking to understand America.” James Oliver Horton, George Washington University