Essence: 25 Years Celebrating Black Women surveys this enormously influential and successful publication. In her Introduction, editor-in-chief Susan L. Taylor chronicles the history of the magazine, going back to concept meetings in 1968, a time when it was practically impossible for African-Americans to borrow money from blue-chip banks for a Black publication, to the present day, with Essence having a circulation of some five million readers.

With more than 200 photographs and selections from among the most celebrated African-American writers, as well as notable women from many other fields, the book explores two decades of changing times as seen in the areas of achievement, style, beauty, and personal relationships.