The role of African American women in American history is largely still to be written. Taylor (American history, University of Washington, Seattle) and Moore (history, California State University, Sacramento) have made a significant contribution with this collection of essays on African American women in the west from 1600-2000. The essays are arranged chronologically, starting with the Spanish settlers. They cover a variety of experiences, work, religion, civil rights and portrayal in films. Interspersed with the essays are documents or first person accounts from the women themselves. Hearing their voices brings them closer to the reader and heightens the impact of the articles. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)