ABOUT THE BOOKMaya Angelou is renowned worldwide for being one of the most influential women of our time. Her literary pieces, civil rights campaigning, filmmaking, dancing and acting have all received critical acclaim over the past four decades. Angelou has been privileged enough to have worked alongside some of history's most awe inspiring African-American civil rights campaigners, and has spent many years revisiting her roots in Africa.As someone who has come from a childhood filled with pain and tragedy, Angelou has made achievements that even those who come from more privileged beginnings would struggle to make. Her poetry, and other literary works, have been heavily influenced by her life, her culture and Harlem Renaissance authors. Much of her work is used in high schools and colleges around the world, but it has also caused a great deal of controversy.Angelou's approach to literature has been praised by feminists and literary critics alike. She has been recognized for her honest approach to the trials and tribulations that have plagued African Americans in the United States. Her approach has never been sugar coated, and at times her work has attracted criticism from those who would have preferred a less graphic approach.