Thomas presents an historical overview of African American preaching and its effect on the cultural legacy of black people. He notes the various styles of an array of pulpit orators before turning his attention to the life, ministry, and preaching methodology of Dr. Gardner C. Taylor (Concord Baptist Church of Christ, Brooklyn, New York). Thomas is Senior Pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church in Plainfield, New Jersey. The volume (which is not indexed) is based upon his doctoral dissertation. Annotation 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)