Previously referred to as Black Studies, the discipline described in this textbook edited by Azevedo (Afro-American and African Studies, U. of North Carolina at Charlotte), incorporates the study of African, African American, Afro-Caribbean, and Afro-Latin-American people. Key to editor Azevedo's approach is including multiple scholars in order to give as broad a picture as possible. Twenty-seven chapters by scholars from US universities are arranged in five sections covering the methodology for studying this area, African people and their history, the African diaspora today and tomorrow, artistic and other contributions, and various aspects of society. Specific subjects within sections detail slavery, the Civil War, colonialism, the Caribbean, African independence, emigration, music, art, literature, sports, the family, religion, and health. Also of note are three separate chapters on women in Africa, the Caribbean, and America. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)