Compiled from a number of Salem Press reference sets (particularly Racial and ethnic relations in America , published in 1999), this is an in-depth resource for history and issues central to the African American experience. Slavery, abolition, civil rights, discrimination, voting rights, Supreme Court decisions, and federal laws are central themes. Many of the entries are devoted to specific events or eras or to broad subjects such as economic history, the military, music, etc. Volume 3 contains several resources, including a biographical directory for over 100 people. Bankston (Tulane U.) contributed ten new entries for this reference, as well as an introductory essay on historiography. The longer entries include an annotated list of readings; all the entries end with cross references. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)