"[W]ithout a doubt one of the most important studies so far completed on literature in French grounded in the experiences of migrants of sub-Saharan African origin." -Alec Hargreaves, Florida State University

France has always hosted a rich and vibrant black presence within its borders. But recent violent events have raised questions about France's treatment of ethnic minorities. Challenging the identity politics that have set immigrants against the mainstream, Black France explores how black expressive culture has been reformulated as global culture in the multicultural and multinational spaces of France. Thomas brings forward questions such as-Why is France a privileged site of civilization? Who is French? Who is an immigrant? Who controls the networks of production? Black France poses an urgently needed reassessment of the French colonial legacy.

A dynamic view of the politics of cultural exchange between Africa and France

About the Author

Dominic Thomas is Professor of Comparative Literature and Chair of the Department of French and Francophone Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles. He is author of Nation-Building, Propaganda, and Literature in Francophone Africa (IUP, 2002).

Reviews

. . . a wide-ranging exploration of the literature of the black experience of France. . . . Particularly valuable is [Thomas's] examination of francophone African literature . . . Any library supporting programs in Francophone or African studies will want this scholarly but accessible book. . . . Recommended.

* Choice *

[This] book offers a welcome reminder of the breadth and depth of French cultural intersections. 51.1 April 2008

* African Studies Review *

Thomas' approach opens up new intersections for a broader understanding of contemporary cultural studies of francophone Africa, as distinct from most studies of Anglophone Africa that are most frequently grounded in history and anthropology to the exclusion of lived experience as a literary adventure. Vol. 33.1-2 (Winter-Spring 2008)

-- Peter J. Bloom * University of California (Santa Barbara) *



Book Information
ISBN 9780253218810
Author Dominic Thomas
Format Paperback
Page Count 328
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press