Oral Epics from Africa

Vibrant Voices from a Vast Continent

Stephen Belcher editor John William Johnson editor Thomas A Hale editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Indiana University Press

Published:22nd Apr '97

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Oral Epics from Africa cover

A Choice Outstanding Academic Book of 1999

Introduces English-speaking readers to the extensive epic traditions in Africa.

"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.

"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

ISBN: 9780253211101

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 567g

332 pages