'I know of no other autobiography in American letters who celebrates and sings her life with as much verve and display of vulnerability.' With this acknowledgement of Maya Angelou's unique achievement, Dolly McPherson reveals her place within the Black autobiographical tradition. With fascinating insights into Maya Angelou's life and creativity, and a shrewd examination of her techniques and recurring themes, Dolly McPherson provides us with a picture of this extraordinary woman's life and a reading of these rich autobiographical writings. She remarks too on Maya Angelou's exceptional ear, her recording of the precise, vivid a word and phrase, and on the warmth and humour in her writing. The book closes with an interview between these two great friends - a wonderful epilogue to this picture of a greatly admired woman.