The Life and Work of Oscar Micheaux: Pioneer Black Author and Filmmaker 1884-1951

Over a three-decade period that began in 1919, Oscar Micheaux wrote, directed, edited, produced, and distributed over forty films nationally and internationally. These films usually featured all-Black casts. They spanned a silent film period (1919-1930)and a talkie period (sound films) (1931-1948). Given such a background and the period in American history into which he was born, Micheaux's achievements were extraordinary and his legacy is a study of survival, persistence, and bold determination to develop a new era in Black films. The book features a commentary by actor/producer Ossie Davis and has a review copy (on the back cover) by Dr. Maya Angelou and Dr. Henry T. Sampson. This book was edited by the late Dr. Beverly J. Robinson, who was a Professor at the School of Theater, Film, and Television at UCLA for nearly 25 years.