Maya Angelou was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years.
She is best known for her seven autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. These works include _I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings_ (1969), which tells the story of her life from childhood to the age of 17, and _The Heart of a Woman_ (1981), which covers her experiences as a young adult. Angelou's writing is often characterized by its poetic quality and its exploration of themes such as identity, racism, and feminism. She has been praised for her ability to write about difficult experiences with honesty and compassion.