New National and Post-colonial Literatures provides a comparative and up-to-date introduction to colonial, new national and post-colonial literatures, and related criticism. While free of jargon and intended as an introduction to those new to the subject, the collection of original essays contributes to the ongoing discussion about the new literatures, and will also interest the specialist. Many of the contributors are acknowledged leaders in their fields. Besides examining the main concerns, opinions, and theories that have shaped discussion in this area, there is also a detailed bibliography of primary and secondary sources. The approach is comparative and by topic. The essays range from discussion of colonial literatures through nationalism to the internationalization of literature, multiculturalism, writing by post-colonial women, and analysis of the literature of the native peoples of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Most of the essays discuss creative writers and critics, including V. S. Naipaul, Derek Walcott, Chinua Achebe, Vikram Seth, Fred D'Aguiar, Anita Desai, and Jamaica Kincaid. Three essays discuss the history, development, and problems of theories of post-colonialism. New National and Post-colonial Literatures also centres upon the problems of categorizing literatures, and their politicization, and recognizes that in a time of massive migration, rapid international communication, and increased demands by minorities, national cultures are less stable than in the past and the very notion of national identity is changing.

About the Author
Bruce King is a freelance editor and writer. Has held professorships or distinguished visiting professorships at Ibadan, Lagos, Stirling, Windsor (Canada), Canterbury (NZ), Ben Gurion (Israel), Paris III, Paris VII, and North Alabama.

Reviews
truly scholarly ... a most timely book and one which should be read by all in this field. Postcolonial studies are in desperate need of a book which is both comprehensive and scholarly, and this fills that need with point and challenge. Bruce King has once again demonstrated just how good an editor and scholar he is by choosing wisely and strategically his many contributors. The essays are both comprehensive and substantial, setting new standards for postcolonial criticism as well as providing very necessary backgrounds, something which many attempt but don't succeed in doing well or properly. / The range is impressive. * Kirpal Singh, World Lit. Written in English. *
the several studies contained in this book have expanded my own thinking and added largely to my understanding of some fundamental problems. * Kirpal Singh, World Lit. Written in English. *
this book contains a very good Bibliography ... an invaluable aid to any critic/scholar/student wanting to know more. * Kirpal Singh, World Lit. Written in English. *
Each group of essays, even the last one, works well together; there is overlap without too much repetition. It is a well edited volume with resourceful bibliographies that beginners and specialists will find helpful. - Craig V. Smith, Research in African Literatures, Vol. 29, no.4, 1998.



Book Information
ISBN 9780198184843
Author Bruce King
Format Paperback
Page Count 324
Imprint Clarendon Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 1g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 156mm * 19mm