The Poetry Of Living : Maya Angelou

As an author, poet, actress, director, and civic leader, Maya Angelou has had a profound influence on the lives of millions around the world.

One of those whose lives she touched, photographer Margaret Courtney-Clarke, offers a tribute in these pages - moving and revealing portraits of her friend.

Taken over the course of a year, at bookstore signings, on stage, and at home, Courtney-Clarke's photographs both celebrate and illuminate one of the great figures of our time.Supporting the visual story are thoughts on Angelou's powers of friendship as interpreted by her friends, in chapters that highlight the poet's virtues - Joy, Giving, Learning, Creativity, Spirituality, Love and Taking Risks.

Among those represented here are Coretta Scott King, Reverend Barbara King, Andrew Young, Oprah Winfrey and Dr Angelou's son, the writer Guy Johnson.

In these photographs and in the words of her closest friends the true wisdom of Maya Angelou's spirit emerges.