Although books of solely black literature are being published in abundance, an anthology representing both black and white authors is needed, for only through including the literary traditions of all Americans can the national experience be accurately reflected. The origins of Afro-American poetry are found in the late 18th century, and with the "Harlem Renaissance" of the 1920's, black poets developed not only unique themes but the beginnings of a self-conscious movement. Of the two great black poets produced in this century, Robert Hayden does not limit himself to black themes or to a separate black critical standard, whereas Leroi Jones is seeking a "black criterion" for his work. The bulk of black poetry, however, still in its infancy, is frequently guilty of tedious thematic repetition and loss of artistic control. The objectivity and distance provided by Western criticism can benefit the black writer. By grappling with the resultant tension between subjective vision and objective evaluation black artists can develop and mature. (MF)