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Maya Angelou: A Glorious Celebration
Beautifully designed and featuring over 150 sepia portraits, family photographs, and letters from the life of one of the world’s most beloved and admired artists, this moving biography will appeal to all fans of the poet laureate, phenomenal bestselling author, and scribe for the people, Dr. Maya Angelou.
Maya Angelou’s memoirs, essay and poetry collections, and cookbooks have sold millions of copies. Now, MAYA A GLORIOUS CELEBRATION offers an unusual and irresistible look at her life and her myriad interests and accomplishments. Created by the people who know her best—her longtime friends Marcia Ann Gillespie and Richard Long, and her niece Rosa Johnson Butler—it is part tribute, part scrapbook, capturing Angelou at home, at work, and in the public eye. Readers who have come to know and love Maya Angelou will be surprised and delighted by this personal, illustrated portrait of the renowned poet, author, playwright, and humanitarian.
Maya Angelou’s memoirs, essay and poetry collections, and cookbooks have sold millions of copies. Now, MAYA A GLORIOUS CELEBRATION offers an unusual and irresistible look at her life and her myriad interests and accomplishments. Created by the people who know her best—her longtime friends Marcia Ann Gillespie and Richard Long, and her niece Rosa Johnson Butler—it is part tribute, part scrapbook, capturing Angelou at home, at work, and in the public eye. Readers who have come to know and love Maya Angelou will be surprised and delighted by this personal, illustrated portrait of the renowned poet, author, playwright, and humanitarian.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2008
10 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 21, 2016
Love Maya Angelo. This book was a good history of her life. I would have rated it higher, but it is obviously written by her very close friend. It was a bit over the top to me at times with admiration and overly flowery praise. I do believe she is an amazing person but at times I felt it was a bit too much. This would put her up for sainthood, which she probably does deserve, however!
July 16, 2021
Wow! I didn’t know so much about Maya Angelou! How crazy incredible! This book WAS a bit over the top with admiration and praise as it was written by friends, but I also think it has a certain quality of credential having been written by people who truly knew her. I feel like I need to read her autobiographies and read other sources to get a clearer understanding and more neutral perspective on the reality of some of the historical details, but overall I learned a lot and still think Dr Maya Angelou is incredible. But to truly understand who she was I need to hear it from her I think. All that said, I don’t think it was WRONG to dote on Maya…regardless of intricacies perhaps left unsaid and yet learned by me, this woman truly did do incredible things and be an amazing spirit for so many..
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April 28, 2015“Maya Angelou: A Glorious Celebration” is heartwarming story, by several authors, although it was forwarded by Oprah Winfrey. “She’s the tall, imposing cocoa-skinned women standing in the winter’s chill, the poet reminding the nation and its leaders of the fragility of our planet, the wonder of life, the hope of humankind at William Jefferson Clinton’s first inauguration as President of the United States.”(Gillespie, Butler, Long, Winfrey.5) This Biography recounts the story of a life-changing author, Maya Angelou. As one can see, Angelou’s poems usually had a deeper meaning, habitually associated with racism. Maya was born April 4, 1928 and passed away May 28, 2014. Her poems continue to influence children all around the world and were able to make some of them stronger and embrace themselves. Not only was Maya Angelou a poet, but she was a dancer, a singer, and a director for the stage and television. She is also a college professor, a scholar, and a life mentor. She is a life lover with a son and a grandmother. At the age of eighty she became a speaker and travelled around America in her bus to share her thoughts with the world. Although Angelou never went to college, she has received several degrees for her hard work and accomplishments, hence she was happy to be called Dr. Angelou. She fluently speaks French, Spanish, Arabic, Italian, and Fanti. Furthermore, because of her modesty and simplicity, she was, most of the time, called a renaissance woman. In her house, Angelou had a table in the middle, between her formal dining room, her kitchen, and her living room, so that she could pay attention at each part without a lot of effort. During the 1950s, women had to marry and become submissive helpmates in order to be “successful”, Maya, on the other hand, left this life behind and tried to pursue her dreams, which was a great challenge since she was a women back then. Maya wanted to become a dancer, it was her high school dream, although Angelou never had dance lessons, she was very talented. Before she got married, Maya was a professional dancer for some time in San Francisco. When Maya became friends with Alvin Ailey, they decided to form a dance team and name themselves Al and Rita. The duo preformed mostly in San Francisco and became very popular. When she got married in 1951, Angelou applied and won a scholarship to work with Pearl Primus, an African-American dancer. She decided to pursue her dreams and moved to New York city in order to work with Primus, she really thought that the scholarship would lead her to a great career even though she knew that the possibility for an African-American dancer at that time was very few. In conclusion, Maya Angelou is a life-changing poet, dancer, artist, and more who was able to change the lives many children around the world, with her great adventure known as life.
Maya Angelou was not only a writer and artist, but she was also able to change the lives of several people with her work as well as with her shared thoughts of the world. Maya Angelou expresses thoughts of happiness, sadness, depression, and segregation in her poems. Throughout her life, Maya Angelou fought for her rights and others’. She wasn’t a slave but did her best to get her freedom and the one of many others. Maya changed he lives of many with influence. People were influenced by her and wanted to be as productive as she was.
As one can see, Maya Angelou is a hero because of all she accomplished in her life. She fought against racism not only in her poems, but as well as physically. She was also able to influence women in the 1950s to pursue their dreams and not only marry a man to be “successful” in life. Afterwards, Maya Angelou was a life lover and tried to project as much happiness as she could. Furthermore, Angelou was an artist; hence she was able to influence thousands of people around the world, with her life journey and poems. As one can see, Maya is still a hero today as she still influences people of all age every day.
Maya Angelou was a hero, but the people around the world were able to learn many life lessons from the person’s life as well as her written work. Maya Angelou once said, “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”(Maya Angelou) Expressing that in order to grow the person needs to change and that if the person isn’t willing to grow, it isn’t willing to live. Furthermore, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” (Maya Angelou) Expressing that a challenge may be hard, but it is an opportunity to grow. In conclusion, Maya Angelou was able to change people’s lives and she was a hero but most importantly, people were able to learn many life lessons because of Angelou’s life and poems.
I recommend this biography to any “life lover” or a passionate of Maya Angelou. This biography talks about her life, but also about the time periods she lived through. I also recommend this book to middle and high school students because it is easy to understand but has a little challenging vocabulary as well as themes, and hidden meanings. Furthermore, it is easy to understand because it has pictures about her life and family. I especially recommend this book to History teachers because the biography was able to give vivid details about the time period that Maya Angelou, lived during and also her life. I also recommend this book to someone who would like to persevere in life because back in the 1950s making it as a dancer and a woman, and an African-American was very hard, but Angelou was able to make it.
Maya Angelou was not only a writer and artist, but she was also able to change the lives of several people with her work as well as with her shared thoughts of the world. Maya Angelou expresses thoughts of happiness, sadness, depression, and segregation in her poems. Throughout her life, Maya Angelou fought for her rights and others’. She wasn’t a slave but did her best to get her freedom and the one of many others. Maya changed he lives of many with influence. People were influenced by her and wanted to be as productive as she was.
As one can see, Maya Angelou is a hero because of all she accomplished in her life. She fought against racism not only in her poems, but as well as physically. She was also able to influence women in the 1950s to pursue their dreams and not only marry a man to be “successful” in life. Afterwards, Maya Angelou was a life lover and tried to project as much happiness as she could. Furthermore, Angelou was an artist; hence she was able to influence thousands of people around the world, with her life journey and poems. As one can see, Maya is still a hero today as she still influences people of all age every day.
Maya Angelou was a hero, but the people around the world were able to learn many life lessons from the person’s life as well as her written work. Maya Angelou once said, “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”(Maya Angelou) Expressing that in order to grow the person needs to change and that if the person isn’t willing to grow, it isn’t willing to live. Furthermore, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” (Maya Angelou) Expressing that a challenge may be hard, but it is an opportunity to grow. In conclusion, Maya Angelou was able to change people’s lives and she was a hero but most importantly, people were able to learn many life lessons because of Angelou’s life and poems.
I recommend this biography to any “life lover” or a passionate of Maya Angelou. This biography talks about her life, but also about the time periods she lived through. I also recommend this book to middle and high school students because it is easy to understand but has a little challenging vocabulary as well as themes, and hidden meanings. Furthermore, it is easy to understand because it has pictures about her life and family. I especially recommend this book to History teachers because the biography was able to give vivid details about the time period that Maya Angelou, lived during and also her life. I also recommend this book to someone who would like to persevere in life because back in the 1950s making it as a dancer and a woman, and an African-American was very hard, but Angelou was able to make it.
May 28, 2023
This book is a doting account of Maya Angelou's extraordinary life that longtime fans and people who are just exploring Maya's works can equally benefit from reading. My mother introduced me to Maya when I was a preteen so I've been reading her for a while, but I'm still learning the breadth of her influence and accomplishments. Breezy and inspiring, this book is a great primer on Maya's life. Many of the negative reviews are focused on the book being too praise heavy... but it is written by her friends, so I had that expectation coming into it.
July 27, 2020
Maya Angelou was a remarkable woman. This book tells her life story with actual photographs of Maya and the people she loved. It also tells about the time when President Clinton asked her to write and read a poem for his inauguration. She wrote a stunning poem: "On the Pulse of the Morning." I read that poem and many others she wrote. Photos of her hand-written rough drafts on yellow notebook tablets intrigued me. This author and poet was a writer for all time.
December 5, 2021
A good primer into the phenomenon called Maya Angelou. Definitely has whet my appetite to learn more and read more about Maya and discover her works. Maya is vivacious, real, unapologetic, human, multi talented, fun loving and full of love.
August 5, 2020
This is a lovely overview of Dr. Angelou's life. I found it very interesting.
January 22, 2021
Maya Angelou was a fascinating woman. I loved learning more about her life.
April 22, 2022
An inspiring and moving chronicle of Maya’s life as told by one of her friends,
May 7, 2022
Good brief review and introduction into the colorful and multifaceted person Maya Angelou was.
September 29, 2022
Listened … a good Angelou primer. A lot of praise from those who loved her. 3.5 good reading for those not familiar with her volumes of work.
November 22, 2025
Inspirational, delightful.
August 28, 2014
I was first introduced to the works and life of Maya Angelou due to a Black History project assigned to me by my English Language Arts teacher, and honestly, I have never been this glad to have been given a long term project.
Angelou is truly one amazing human being that remained humble and outspoken to her very last breath. I absolutely adore this woman to no end - both her poetry and her filmography are gorgeous works of art about hope and faith - though her early life consisted of oppression and being raised in the midst of adversity. What Maya Angelou accomplished in the first half of her life is more than what many could ever do in an entire life.
[The book rating)
Though I used other sources for my project, I read this biography just to further learn about Dr. Angelou and I was very pleased with its gorgeous Sepia scrapbook layout. The writing was fairly easy to read and the book definitely provided a personal outlook on her life rather than focusing on just her career and writing. I also enjoyed the quotes the authors provided because it was refreshing going from the author's work to Maya Angelou's. This is definitely a great read especially for those who wish to learn more about this legendary poet.
Note: This biography would not be an ideal source for a project about Maya Angelou's poetry/filmography due to its length and especially its personal view of her life. This was more of a read for people who want to learn more about Angelou - especially her struggles and personal life [friends, family]
Angelou is truly one amazing human being that remained humble and outspoken to her very last breath. I absolutely adore this woman to no end - both her poetry and her filmography are gorgeous works of art about hope and faith - though her early life consisted of oppression and being raised in the midst of adversity. What Maya Angelou accomplished in the first half of her life is more than what many could ever do in an entire life.
[The book rating)
Though I used other sources for my project, I read this biography just to further learn about Dr. Angelou and I was very pleased with its gorgeous Sepia scrapbook layout. The writing was fairly easy to read and the book definitely provided a personal outlook on her life rather than focusing on just her career and writing. I also enjoyed the quotes the authors provided because it was refreshing going from the author's work to Maya Angelou's. This is definitely a great read especially for those who wish to learn more about this legendary poet.
Note: This biography would not be an ideal source for a project about Maya Angelou's poetry/filmography due to its length and especially its personal view of her life. This was more of a read for people who want to learn more about Angelou - especially her struggles and personal life [friends, family]
July 10, 2010
A tribute to Maya Angelou's told by family and friends and is fully complimentary on Maya's life. Inserted are quotes from her prior work with photos of life and her notebooks. I absolutely enjoyed this read, and would recommend it. Although Maya deserve all the praises in the book some of the ongoing praises seem to slightly diminish the impact. Redundant?
Hearing such a grand woman can experience a difficult life and admits to making unfavorable decisions or mistakes along life's path and due troubled childhood her traumatic reaction has more positive impacts then the usual feel good story .
I hate reading stories about women whose traumatic childhood had “never” made them feel like a victim or sorry for themselves or a single moment of depression. Please! Sometimes REAL women, Christian women, are sad or blue and even get pissed! Real women move on and grow from their past. Remarkable women become blessing to others and ask us to love = Maya Angelou
Maya is a world known humanitarian writer, acclaimed poet, director, dancer, actress, devoted to her family, a real Renaissance woman. You learn her entire life has moments of true strength but also of childhood trauma, an unconventional (for the time) relationship with her mother, minor moments of insecurity / vulnerability, her grief after Malcolm X and Martin Luther King's assassinations and her ability to have the courage to prevail.
Hearing such a grand woman can experience a difficult life and admits to making unfavorable decisions or mistakes along life's path and due troubled childhood her traumatic reaction has more positive impacts then the usual feel good story .
I hate reading stories about women whose traumatic childhood had “never” made them feel like a victim or sorry for themselves or a single moment of depression. Please! Sometimes REAL women, Christian women, are sad or blue and even get pissed! Real women move on and grow from their past. Remarkable women become blessing to others and ask us to love = Maya Angelou
Maya is a world known humanitarian writer, acclaimed poet, director, dancer, actress, devoted to her family, a real Renaissance woman. You learn her entire life has moments of true strength but also of childhood trauma, an unconventional (for the time) relationship with her mother, minor moments of insecurity / vulnerability, her grief after Malcolm X and Martin Luther King's assassinations and her ability to have the courage to prevail.
June 24, 2012
A tribute to Maya Angelou's told by family and friends and is fully complimentary on Maya's life. Inserted are quotes from her prior work with photos of life and her notebooks. I absolutely enjoyed this read, and would recommend it. Although Maya deserve all the praises in the book some of the ongoing praises seem to slightly diminish the impact. Redundant?
Hearing such a grand woman can experience a difficult life and admits to making unfavorable decisions or mistakes along life's path and due troubled childhood her traumatic reaction has more positive impacts then the usual feel good story .
I hate reading stories about women whose traumatic childhood had “never” made them feel like a victim or sorry for themselves or a single moment of depression. Please! Sometimes REAL women, Christian women, are sad or blue and even get pissed! Real women move on and grow from their past. Remarkable women become blessing to others and ask us to love = Maya Angelou
Maya is a world known humanitarian writer, acclaimed poet, director, dancer, actress, devoted to her family, a real Renaissance woman. You learn her entire life has moments of true strength but also of childhood trauma, an unconventional (for the time) relationship with her mother, minor moments of insecurity / vulnerability, her grief after Malcolm X and Martin Luther King's assassinations and her ability to have the courage to prevail.
Hearing such a grand woman can experience a difficult life and admits to making unfavorable decisions or mistakes along life's path and due troubled childhood her traumatic reaction has more positive impacts then the usual feel good story .
I hate reading stories about women whose traumatic childhood had “never” made them feel like a victim or sorry for themselves or a single moment of depression. Please! Sometimes REAL women, Christian women, are sad or blue and even get pissed! Real women move on and grow from their past. Remarkable women become blessing to others and ask us to love = Maya Angelou
Maya is a world known humanitarian writer, acclaimed poet, director, dancer, actress, devoted to her family, a real Renaissance woman. You learn her entire life has moments of true strength but also of childhood trauma, an unconventional (for the time) relationship with her mother, minor moments of insecurity / vulnerability, her grief after Malcolm X and Martin Luther King's assassinations and her ability to have the courage to prevail.
February 10, 2023
I knew the basics about Dr. Angelou; read a couple of her poems, heard many more quotes, and a couple interviews over the years. It is clear she is a national treasure and icon, but I honestly didn’t know much more than that.
Without listing all of the other incredible achievements of her life, I can say that I was blown away at the width and depth of her success and impact on American life; from creative writing, storytelling, speaking, writing and performing in theatre and musical productions, journalism, and community organizing for justice.
Perhaps equally important is not just what she accomplished, but how she did it. How she “lived in the world.” The stories, pictures, and handwritten notes included in this biography provide an extra special, visual connection to her zest for life and her deep commitment to her family and close friends (chosen family).
“In her writing, speeches, and conversations she is always encouraging us to be fully present, to ‘be as honest and courageous and as courteous and as loving as you can be.’ She calls us to have the courage to love, to dare to try something new, to step up and stand up for ourselves, to seek to explore and achieve our potential.”
I’m glad I was able to read this truly “glorious celebration” before diving into more of Dr. Angelou’s writings. I have a couple of her books on my to-read list, but let me know if you have a favorite I should check out.
Without listing all of the other incredible achievements of her life, I can say that I was blown away at the width and depth of her success and impact on American life; from creative writing, storytelling, speaking, writing and performing in theatre and musical productions, journalism, and community organizing for justice.
Perhaps equally important is not just what she accomplished, but how she did it. How she “lived in the world.” The stories, pictures, and handwritten notes included in this biography provide an extra special, visual connection to her zest for life and her deep commitment to her family and close friends (chosen family).
“In her writing, speeches, and conversations she is always encouraging us to be fully present, to ‘be as honest and courageous and as courteous and as loving as you can be.’ She calls us to have the courage to love, to dare to try something new, to step up and stand up for ourselves, to seek to explore and achieve our potential.”
I’m glad I was able to read this truly “glorious celebration” before diving into more of Dr. Angelou’s writings. I have a couple of her books on my to-read list, but let me know if you have a favorite I should check out.
August 12, 2012
I loved this book, though I wish I would have waited until I completed Angelou's autobiography series before I read this book. A dumb move for someone who hates spoilers.
I loved the many pictures in this book - while I had a picture of the different characters in my head while reading Angelou's books, it's nice to see the real people. It was also wonderful to see the various pages of her handwritten drafts appear - a nice insight into her writing process. The quotes from Angelou pulled from various interviews also added some nice additional context.
The only low point for me was the last chapter. While I agree Angelou is a truly amazing woman, it got a little gushy - and it felt like it should have ended several times before it actually did.
A small complaint, really - I will be adding this to my permanent collection.
I loved the many pictures in this book - while I had a picture of the different characters in my head while reading Angelou's books, it's nice to see the real people. It was also wonderful to see the various pages of her handwritten drafts appear - a nice insight into her writing process. The quotes from Angelou pulled from various interviews also added some nice additional context.
The only low point for me was the last chapter. While I agree Angelou is a truly amazing woman, it got a little gushy - and it felt like it should have ended several times before it actually did.
A small complaint, really - I will be adding this to my permanent collection.
December 7, 2008
I have read a few of Angelou's books (years ago!) and have always admired her as a writer and poet...but she is now at the top of my list of heroes. I had no idea that she had done so many amazing things in her life. She overcome such adversity and has become one of our national treasures. I would like to go back and read everything she has written and find a way to see her films and listen to her music (much of it not widely available) as well. What an inspiration!
I loved this book because it summarized her key milestones and accomplishments, interspersed with beautiful black and white photos of her in various stages, her friends and influential people in her life, and her family.
I loved this book because it summarized her key milestones and accomplishments, interspersed with beautiful black and white photos of her in various stages, her friends and influential people in her life, and her family.
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July 27, 2011I thought my admiration for Maya Angelou couldn't get any deeper, but I was wrong. This book covers her whole life story as well as the depth and breadth of her work. She is truly a worldly woman with more amazing experiences than any ten people I know. We're just lucky that she cares to share her ideas and perspective with the rest of us.
I give my ratings, however, based on how much I enjoy a book and I'm sorry to say I didn't love it. Someone of Dr. Angelou's age would enjoy it more because they would recognize the plays, movies and celebrities that are mentioned so frequently. For me, I needed more of the personal aspect instead of the resume.
I give my ratings, however, based on how much I enjoy a book and I'm sorry to say I didn't love it. Someone of Dr. Angelou's age would enjoy it more because they would recognize the plays, movies and celebrities that are mentioned so frequently. For me, I needed more of the personal aspect instead of the resume.
September 7, 2016
It was a fast read. I adore Maya Angelou and have many more of her books on my to-read list; however, this is not by her but about her and therein lies the difference (and reason for 3 stars).
Dr. Angelou's writing inspires. She shares her struggles and then "rises." This biography is all about the rises. She is an exceptional human being whose body of work is overwhelming in both breadth and success. Instead of being inspired, I was left feeling daunted. Not having the lows to elevate the highs was like trying to weave a cloth with weft and no warp. Still, I adore Dr. Angelou. How fortunate we were that she shared so much of herself with us.
Dr. Angelou's writing inspires. She shares her struggles and then "rises." This biography is all about the rises. She is an exceptional human being whose body of work is overwhelming in both breadth and success. Instead of being inspired, I was left feeling daunted. Not having the lows to elevate the highs was like trying to weave a cloth with weft and no warp. Still, I adore Dr. Angelou. How fortunate we were that she shared so much of herself with us.
November 22, 2025
Always delightful and moving. inspirational.
July 24, 2009
a lovely biography on Dr. Angelou co-authored by her niece/ personal archivist and 2 other biographers (?) Nice read. Revealed Dr. Angelou in an aspect that showcases how resilient she is but not at the expense of being a flat praise-song type of story. I felt I got closer to Dr. Maya Angelou through reading this book... it opened me up further to her history, her struggles and the ways in which she continually persevered.
February 27, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this book. I was unaware of much of Maya Angelou's work and was astonished by her accomplishments. She just never stopped working and creating and giving. An outstanding woman indeed, and a joy to read about. I really loved the photos and writings included in the book. Recommended for anyone looking for inspiration.
August 27, 2015
Though there were less poetry snippets than I expected keyed to life events, I learned to appreciate even more Maya Angelou's incredibly diverse and socially influential life. I see how connections to the entertainment industry early on have both influenced and facilitated her later career(s).
June 11, 2008
There are many lovely pictures of Maya Angelou in this "celebration." She has already written of her life in autobiographies beginning with I know why the caged bird sings.
I don't think this volume has added anything.
I don't think this volume has added anything.
June 12, 2008
Wow! I feel very young and naive that I didn't know so many things about this woman. This is a good overview of her life. Many interesting pictures and a good list of all her work - written as well as performance pieces.
November 5, 2008
I'm learning a lot about Maya Angelou. I never knew that she was a singer or a dancer..
what a phenomenal woman!
I love love the poem Phenomenal Woman - that's when I first found out about the writings of Maya Angelou.
what a phenomenal woman!
I love love the poem Phenomenal Woman - that's when I first found out about the writings of Maya Angelou.
December 26, 2008
I didn't read this cover to cover, but it was a great autobiography of Maya Angelou and her history.
I wished it had more of her poetry and where her inspiriation came from, but it was a good and interesting autobiography on her life.
I wished it had more of her poetry and where her inspiriation came from, but it was a good and interesting autobiography on her life.
July 31, 2011
I'm incredibly impressed with this woman, especially knowing her temperament type. Sadly, members of her type just do not self-transcend very often. However, she has self-transcended in wonderful and glorious ways. This book brings out some of them.
June 23, 2014
This is a great overview of Maya Angelou's life including her own words and those of her close friends and family. She was an amazing woman and our world is a better place because she was here. She inspired so many people to appreciate life and take joy in living.
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