What is a great Encyclopedia/Compendium of African Literature? ($15.00)

I am looking to purchase a 'good' Encyclopedia/Compendium of African
Literature. By 'good' I mean one that is kind of a standard in for
example universities, and that has gotten some good reviews from
researchers.
Furthermore, it is important to me that literature in African
languages is well covered (besides in English, French, Portugese,
etc.). The same goes for oral history, gender,
media; coverage of these aspects is important to me. And the African
diaspora and the literature it brough forth is a crucial theme for me.
Authorsd like Fanon, Damas, and many African American authors belong
to such a work in my opinion.
An example of what I am NOT looking for is Gikandi?s Encyclopedia of
African Literature. Why? See:
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa4106/is_200312/ai_n9337519
.
At last I'd like the book to be somewhat recent. So I am not looking
for Zell's book. After '85, preferrably '90 or later.
A combination of books that sums up to a somewaht complete coverage is
welcome as well.
Thank you!
Willem

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Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 22 Jan 2006 14:24 PST

I didn't see anything terribly recent or comprehensive.

Closest one so far is this one:


http://www.gale.com/servlet/ItemDetailServlet?region=9&imprint=144&titleCode=S55&type=4&id=165806
African Writers
Charles Scribner's Sons


...This 2-vol. set of original essays present 65 African writers from
seventeen countries writing in English, French, Portuguese, Arabic,
and indigenous languages.


Is that close to being on target?

pafalafa-ga

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Clarification of Question by willemw-ga on 23 Jan 2006 13:09 PST

It sure looks interesting, though it doesn't go into the backgrounds
(history, gender, etc.) and history of the literature if I am correct.
This book covers (quite) some writers, though not the context.
The context added would be a great addition to me.
Thank you.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page This is a link that I have
found very helpful in my studies. I go to the School of Oriental and
african studies, he University of London and am constantly having to
find out information on obscure african and oriental texts.

Toby, student and founder of: 

http://www.open-your-mind.co.uk/index.htm