One of the most influential works in the canon of black American literature, Maya Angelou's autobiographical work I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings offers readers a frank and inspirational personal portrait of what it means to overcome and move past personal trauma and racism. This compelling edition provides readers with an in-depth biography of the author and presents a series of essays that discuss racism as it relates to Angelou's work. Topics include race and gender, humor and folklore, and death and rebirth. Modern perspectives on the issue of racism are presented as well, allowing readers to connect the themes of the text to the world of today.