Literature of Africa

(Hardback)

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Description

This volume introduces readers to the cultural concerns of 10 of Africa's most renowned writers. Written in clear accessible language, close analysis is given for 14 novels, including Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart and Alan Paton's Cry the Beloved Country, chosen because of their literary importance. Each chapter begins with a brief account of the author's life and writing career, noting especially the experiences and influences which shaped their writing. Following this section is a major essay on their most prominent and best-known work. Discussion of the historical and cultural issues in the novels is integrated into the literary commentary. Students will gain not only a deeper appreciation for the fiction, but a more solid understanding of the core historical issues and cultural concerns that influenced and shaped the writing. The Introduction outlines the general history and development of Sub-Saharan African Literature. Each section ends with a list of critical works that will assist readers and researchers further their understanding of the authors and their works. Short biographical sketches on 80 authors are also provided to expand readers' contact with African literature. The index assists users in identifying not only title and authors but also major themes and topics that the writings address.

Reviews

[A] resource book that will be extremely useful to beginners and people interested in the general history of African literature.-Africa News
Killam is one of the pioneering scholars of African literature, and his extensive experience serves him well introducing a fine introductory survey that should be helpful to students encountering African literature for the first time.-Research in African Literatures
"A resource book that will be extremely useful to beginners and people interested in the general history of African literature."-Africa News
"[A] resource book that will be extremely useful to beginners and people interested in the general history of African literature."-Africa News
"Killam is one of the pioneering scholars of African literature, and his extensive experience serves him well introducing a fine introductory survey that should be helpful to students encountering African literature for the first time."-Research in African Literatures

Author Bio

DOUGLAS KILLAM was Professor of Commonwealth and African Literature at the University of Guelph, Canada. He has taught in Nigeria and Tanzania, and Sierra Leone. He is the author of several books of critical studies, including Africa in English Literature, The Writings of Chinua Achebe, and An Introduction to the Writings of Ngugi. He is co-editor with Ruth Lowe of The Companion to African Literatures anthologies of African fiction.