Description
"The editors . . . must be congratulated . . . Long live the African storytellers!" -Africa Today
"It is difficult to imagine a more practical introduction to contemporary African epic than this anthology . . . no other single volume comprehends the full scope of African epic (as opposed to praise poetry) the way this one does. . . . The stories are engaging, and the free-verse translations are surprisingly readable. . . . Recommended for all academic collections." -Choice
Western culture traces its literary heritage to such well-known epics as the Iliad and the Odyssey and Gilgamesh. But it is only recently that scholars have turned their attention toward capturing the rich oral tradition that is still alive in Africa today. These 25 selections introduce English-speaking readers to the extensive epic traditions in Africa.
A Choice Outstanding Academic Book of 1999
Reviews
"The editors ... must be congratulated ... Long live the African storytellers!" Africa Today "It is difficult to imagine a more practical introduction to contemporary African epic than this anthology ... no other single volume comprehends the full scope of African epic (as opposed to praise poetry) the way this one does... The stories are engaging, and the free-verse translations are surprisingly readable... Recommended for all academic collections." Choice
Book Information
ISBN 9780253211101
Author John William Johnson
Format Paperback
Page Count 332
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press
Weight(grams) 567g
