Black Lions: The Creative Lives of Modern Ethiopia's Literary Giants and Pioneers [Hardcover]

Reidulf K. Molvaer (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

This is fascinating portrait of 20th-century Ethiopian writers and an in-depth analysis of the history of the development of Amharic literature and those who have shaped it. The range of writers covered varies from the aristocrats, educators, and pioneers to the latest revolutionary writers. A vivid picture of the personal development and progress of these writers is given, as well as the impact they have had on Ethiopian social, and political systems. All in all, this volume presents the portraits and sketches of thirty-two Ethiopian writers and lexicographers, including such notable literary giants as Hiruy Welde-Sillase, Girmacchew Tekle-Hawariyat, kebbede Mikael, Haddis Alemayyehu, Abbe Gubennya, Mammo Widdineth, Tseggaye Gebre-Medhin, Mengistu Lemma, Dannyachew Werqu, Birhanu Zerihun, and Ethiopia's foremost writer, the late Be'alu Girma, who was executed by the former military regime - the Dergue - for his critical novel 'Oromai.' --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Reidulf K. Molvaer is a Norwegian well-versed in Amharic and Ethiopian literature and traditions. He spent 20 years in Africa (14 in Ethiopia and 6 in Kenya) working on a variety of development projects. he has published several books on Amharic literature and the history and social aspects of modern Ethiopia as well as various development issues relating to Africa. Dr. Molvaer received his M. Phil. and Ph.D. from London University. He is a member of the new York Academy of Sciences, as is currently a Senior Researcher in Oslo, Norway. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 426 pages
• Publisher: Red Sea Pr (March 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569020167
• ISBN-13: 978-1569020166
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,212,521 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Start for Further Research, August 21, 1997

By 

[e-mail] (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black Lions: The Creative Lives of Modern Ethiopia's Literary Giants and Pioneers (Paperback)

Parallel to the spirit of his previous inspiring work on Ethiopian Literature, Molvaer, again, has given us "Black Lions" which pays tribute to some of the finest Ethiopian literary figures of the twentieth century. His effort to give readers a wholesome profile of each writer, despite lack of comprehensive first-hand sources, should be commended. Although this very problem did grave injustice to the numerous outstanding contributions some of the writers made to the growth of literature in Ethiopia, it is my belief that Molvaer will treat us to a more thorough and deeper account of their lives in the very near future. The lives and works of Yoftahe Nigussie, Kebede Mikael, Bitweded Mekonnen Endalkachew, Dagnachew Worku, Haddis Alemayehu, Tsegaye G. Medhin, etc. deserve a serious research for they're genuine treasures of their nation. Just like Ethiopian hisory, Ethiopian literature has a long and impressive record of achievments which needs to be closely examined and studied by the new generation of writers and poets. I thank Molvaer for taking this magnificent intiative which opens a new window of opportunity for others to conduct further reaserch in biographies of our Ethiopian literary gems