The Collected Autobiographies of Maya Angelou

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Superbly told, with the poet's gift for language and observation, Angelou's autobiography of her childhood in Arkansas - a world of which most Americans are ignorant.

1184 pages, Hardcover

First published September 21,1995

This edition

Format
1184 pages, Hardcover
Published
September 21, 2004 by Modern Library
ISBN
9780679643258
ASIN
0679643257
Language
English
Characters More characters
  • Maya Angelou

    Maya Angelou

    Maya Angelou

    Maya Angelou was an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She re...

About the author

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Maya Angelou was an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. Angelou's series of seven autobiographies focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her life up to the age of 17 and brought her international recognition and acclaim.
She became a poet and writer after a string of odd jobs during her young adulthood. These included fry cook, sex worker, nightclub performer, Porgy and Bess cast member, Southern Christian Leadership Conference coordinator, and correspondent in Egypt and Ghana during the decolonization of Africa. Angelou was also an actress, writer, director, and producer of plays, movies, and public television programs. In 1982, she was named the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Angelou was active in the Civil Rights Movement and worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Beginning in the 1990s, she made approximately 80 appearances a year on the lecture circuit, something she continued into her eighties. In 1993, Angelou recited her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" (1993) at the first inauguration of Bill Clinton, making her the first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy in 1961.
With the publication of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou publicly discussed aspects of her personal life. She was respected as a spokesperson for Black people and women, and her works have been considered a defense of Black culture. Her works are widely used in schools and universities worldwide, although attempts have been made to ban her books from some U.S. libraries. Angelou's most celebrated works have been labeled as autobiographical fiction, but many critics consider them to be autobiographies. She made a deliberate attempt to challenge the common structure of the autobiography by critiquing, changing, and expanding the genre. Her books center on themes that include racism, identity, family, and travel.

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Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 97 votes)
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97 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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I made the decision to read this collection subsequent to the passing of Maya Angelou. It was then that I came to the realization that I knew absolutely nothing about her. She was, without a doubt, a woman who commanded respect and was truly to be reckoned with.

She had accomplished so much in her life. In fact, she did everything. And when I say everything, I truly mean it! There was not a single aspect of life that she had not touched or influenced.

As I delved deeper into her works, I was surprised time and time again. Her words were powerful, her stories were captivating, and her spirit was unyielding. I found myself in awe of her talent and her ability to connect with readers on such a profound level.

Reading this collection has been an eye-opening experience for me, and I am grateful to have discovered the works of Maya Angelou. She will always be remembered as a literary giant and an inspiration to us all.
July 15,2025
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Spellbinding

Spellbinding is an adjective that describes something that has the power to fascinate, charm, or captivate. It refers to an experience, performance, or object that holds one's attention completely and leaves them spellbound.



A spellbinding story can transport the reader to another world, making them forget about their surroundings and become fully immersed in the narrative. A spellbinding performance by a musician or actor can leave the audience in awe, their eyes fixed on the stage.



Spellbinding can also be used to describe a place or scenery. A beautiful sunset over a mountain range or a magical forest can be spellbinding, taking one's breath away and making them feel a sense of wonder and amazement.



In conclusion, spellbinding is a word that describes something that has an almost magical quality, capable of captivating and enchanting those who experience it.

July 15,2025
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My Favorite Books of Freshman Year

In my freshman year, I discovered several books that had a profound impact on me. One of my favorites was "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. This classic novel tells the story of a young girl growing up in the South during a time of racial inequality. The characters are richly developed, and the themes of justice, morality, and empathy are explored in a powerful way.



Another book that I loved was "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger. The protagonist, Holden Caulfield, is a disillusioned teenager who is trying to find his place in the world. His voice is unique and engaging, and the book offers a raw and honest look at adolescence and the challenges of growing up.



Finally, "1984" by George Orwell was a thought-provoking read. This dystopian novel描绘了 a totalitarian society where individuality and freedom are suppressed. The themes of government control, censorship, and the power of language are still relevant today, making it a must-read for anyone interested in politics and society.



These books not only entertained me but also made me think deeply about the world around me. They are some of the most memorable reads of my freshman year and will continue to stay with me for a long time.
July 15,2025
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Simply incredible.


This phrase holds a certain charm and power. It expresses a sense of awe and wonder that words alone often struggle to convey. When something is simply incredible, it leaves us dumbfounded, our minds struggling to comprehend the magnitude or uniqueness of the situation.


It could refer to a breathtaking natural景观, like a majestic mountain range bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. Or perhaps it's an extraordinary feat achieved by a human being, such as a record-breaking athletic performance or a revolutionary scientific discovery. The possibilities are endless.


Incredible things have the ability to inspire us, to make us dream bigger and reach further. They remind us of the limitless potential that exists within the world and within ourselves. So the next time you encounter something that is simply incredible, take a moment to soak it in, and let it fuel your sense of adventure and curiosity.

July 15,2025
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I highly recommend this collection.

It encompasses all six of Ms. Angelou's autobiographies, commencing from 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' and culminating in 'A Song Flung Up to Heaven'.

When perused in this manner, these six books form the chapters of her remarkable story, spanning from her birth during the Depression era to the tragic assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Beyond the astonishing life and narrative of Ms. Angelou herself, this collection offers us an intimate and personal perspective on the American Black experience during those years.

The book left me with an insatiable hunger for more. I long to pose the questions: "How did you not only endure, but also flourish in the face of the terrible adversities of your life?" and "How did you transform from the angry revolutionary of your youth into the woman brimming with grace and love that we all came to know?" And finally, "How can I internalize your wisdom and pass it on to our youth, who are in such desperate need of it?"

I will undoubtedly be on the lookout for more Maya Angelou books in my quest to find the answers to these profound questions.
July 15,2025
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Maya Angelou’s biographies are truly remarkable. They are both inspiring and humbling.

Her life was incredible, filled with experiences that shaped her into the remarkable person she became. Her prose was astounding, able to touch the hearts and minds of readers around the world.

She was generous in sharing with the world her perspective on female blackness in 20th century America. Her books made me wonder how much she herself felt they were like the play “The Blacks” in which she performed as the White Queen, walking a fine line between reflection and scorn, thoughtfulness and release.

Reading her biographies made me want to be better, more courageous, more hardworking, and more open-minded. However, I am also aware that my own privilege and comfortable life may partially impede me from achieving these goals.

Maya shows us that black artistic brilliance is not an innate racial quality, but a survival requirement.

Being swept away into Maya’s world from her journey to Stamps alone by train with her brother when they were very little children until her 40th year was the most beautiful, heartbreaking, and extraordinary thing that happened to me this year. It is an experience that I highly recommend to the entire world.
July 15,2025
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In the late 1950s, Maya made the move to Los Angeles. It was during this time that she received an unexpected visit from the singing legend Billie Holiday. This encounter was truly remarkable. Billie Holiday came back not just once, but a further four times to spend her evenings with Maya and Maya's son Guy. These precious moments together occurred shortly before Billie's untimely death.

Maya, the narrator, is brought to life by Adjoa Andoh. Maya herself is portrayed by Pippa Bennett-Warner, while Billie Holiday is expertly played by Nina Sosanya. Guy is played by Will Romain, and Wilkie is portrayed by Steve Toussaint. The drama is skillfully dramatised by Janice Okoh and produced and directed by Pauline Harris.

The story of this unlikely friendship between Maya and Billie Holiday is a captivating one, filled with emotion and significance. It offers a unique glimpse into a particular time and place, and the impact that one person can have on another's life. To learn more about this fascinating drama, you can visit the link provided: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000...
July 15,2025
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An extraordinary collection of books awaits you, curated by an extraordinary woman! This remarkable assemblage of literary treasures is a testament to her passion for knowledge and her discerning taste. Each book in this collection has been carefully chosen for its unique charm, thought-provoking content, or literary merit. Whether you're a lover of classic literature, a seeker of new ideas, or simply looking for a good read, you're sure to find something that will capture your imagination and transport you to another world. From thrilling adventures to profound meditations on life, this collection has it all. So come and explore the wonderful world of books created by this extraordinary woman, and let her passion for reading inspire you!

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