Encyclopedia of Black Folklore and Humor

As J. Mason Brewer writes in his introduction, this classic volume is a "a landmark contribution to Black Americana." From the hundreds of humorous tales, anecdotes, biographies, recipes, musical selections, and historical notations included in this well-rounded social history, a pattern revealing a new, socially-minded African-American unfolds.

Through the encyclopedia's seven sections--Long Night of Bondage, Plantation to Emancipation, Parables in Black, A People Sing, Poet's Corner, Turn of the Century, and The New Breed--the African American emerges from a once confined and submerged plantation-type into a new heroic figure marching forward with pride.

A native of New York City, Henry D. Spalding began his career in journalism as a reporter for the New York Mirror and the Journal. While a member of the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., he was an accredited White House correspondent. In the 1950s Spalding moved to Los Angeles, where he was active as editor and publisher of Deejay, Disc, and Top Ten--all music magazines--as well as Talent News, a show-business trade journal. Mr. Spalding is also the author of Encyclopedia of Jewish Humor, Joys of Irish Humor, and Joys of Italian Humor & Folklore.