Book excerpt: St. James's unique biographical dictionary provides information concerning approximately 400 artists, nearly 300 of whom were living at the time of publication. Although the focus is on "fine artists"--sculptors, painters, and printmakers--the index groups artists by medium, listing photographers, illustrators, ceramists, performance artists, filmmakers, quilt makers, wood-carvers, and fiber artists. An index of nationalities lists 26 groups from Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean, but US artists predominate (approximately 300); Nigerians and Jamaicans are the second largest groups, with 16 listings each. The signed entries profile the artist and list the artist's exhibitions, the institutions holding the artist's work, and the artist's publications. Many entries provide photographs of the artists or examples of their work. All illustrations are black-and-white reproductions and are indexed separately. A four-part subject bibliography covers general works and works on African, African American, and Caribbean art. Profiles of some 80 advisers and contributors constitute the last section. College and university libraries and large public libraries need this survey of black artists. Copyright 1999 American Library Association.