Author Description

The first ever reference work to explore the full story of black people in Britain, this Companion is an essential resource for anyone who wants to understand this long and fascinating history from classical times to the present day. It brings together a unique collection of articles--more than 400 entries written by more than 100 specialists--that provide an overview of the black presence in Britain, and the rich and diverse contribution made to British society. The A-Z guide includes entries for landmark figures, key events, concepts (such as Emancipation and Reparations), and historical accounts. Subject areas include medicine, military history, art, music, sports, and education. Entries range from the African auxiliaries stationed on Hadrian's Wall in the second century A.D., through John Edmonstone, who taught taxidermy to Charles Darwin, Mary Seacole, the "Black Florence Nightingale," and Walter Tull, a professional soccer player and First World War officer. The Companion includes a detailed timeline that charts key dates for people and events from the second century AD to the present. The guide will be of tremendous interest to those interested in virtually any subject relating to the Black British community, or anyone interested in finding out about the history of expatriated Africans outside the Americas.