<DIV><p>The acclaimed Women Writing Africa project &ldquo;opens up worlds too often excluded from the history books&rdquo; (<i>Booklist</i>) and is an &ldquo;essential resource for scholars and general readers alike&rdquo; (<i>Library Journal</i>). It reveals the cultural legacy of African women in their own words, in never-before- published texts that include communal songs and lullabies, letters and speeches, poetry and fiction.</p> <p>Representing 20 languages and 12 countries, volume 2 covers western Africa, where most African Americans find their roots. The collection presents an epic history of the region through the eyes of its women, from the age of African kings through colonialism and independence.</p> <p>Volume 1 of the series, <i>Women Writing Africa: The Southern Region</i>, is also available; volumes 3 and 4 will be published in 2006.</p></DIV>