Download or read book The Origins of African American Literature, 1680-1865 written by Dickson D. Bruce and published by University of Virginia Press. This book was released on 2001 with total page 394 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Bruce's engaging history traces the origins and context of African American literature, highlighting key influences, rather than surveying all the examples. Among the influences discussed are English literary conventions, the writing of Phillis Wheatley, the development of an authoritative black persona and perspective, and the rise of immediatist abolition. Bruce teaches history at the U. of California, Irvine. c. Book News Inc.