Details the lives and works of Caribbean authors in the context of Caribbean history and culture. The Caribbean is a region of diverse cultures and has a long and fascinating literary tradition. The region has endured civil strife, poverty, natural disasters, and military conflicts, and its literature reflects the despair and dreams of its people. Accessible to students and general readers, this encyclopedia overviews the lives and works of Caribbean authors. Because Caribbean literature is so much a reflection of regional concerns, the encyclopedia also gives special attention to the political, cultural, and historical contexts in which Caribbean authors have lived and worked. Included in the encyclopedia are more than 700 alphabetically arranged entries written by more than 20 expert contributors. These entries cover authors, works, genres, historical and cultural figures, themes, and various special topics. An essential reference work for libraries, this encyclopedia will help students and teachers learn more about the literature of the Caribbean and its relation to the political, economic, historical, and social conditions of that area. It will also appeal to general readers who are interested in Caribbean literature and culture. It gives full attention to the literature of the Caribbean. Entries cite numerous print and electronic works for further reading.