ALT 10 Retrospect & Prospect: African Literature Today

This volume reassesses the landscape of African literature, focusing on key authors and their struggles with political regimes. ALT 10 Retrospect & Prospect: African Literature Today offers valuable insights.

The re-issue of archival volumes ALT 1 to ALT 14 makes the complete series available, offering a comprehensive historical perspective on early contributions to African literature and its criticism. This collection not only presents the original works but also contextualizes their significance within the literary landscape of the time. Readers can explore how these foundational texts have shaped the discourse surrounding African literature, providing insight into the evolution of themes and styles.

In the 10th anniversary volume of ALT 10 Retrospect & Prospect: African Literature Today, first published in 1979, Eldred Jones examines the shifting dynamics of African writing since independence. He notes a growing alienation among prominent writers from established regimes, highlighting a trend towards a deeper connection with the needs of ordinary people. This shift often placed writers in conflict with their governments, resulting in consequences such as exile, detention, or even imprisonment.

This edition encourages a reassessment of African literature, featuring special articles on novels, drama, and poetry. It delves into the works of influential authors like Kofi Awoonor, Ngugi, Ezekiel Mphalele, Richard Rive, Cyprian Ekwensi, Ayi Kwei Armah, Yambo Ouologuem, and Arthur Nortje. Through these studies, ALT 10 Retrospect & Prospect: African Literature Today fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by African writers.