Literatures in African Languages: Theoretical Issues and Sample Surveys [Hardcover]

B. W. Andrzejewski (Editor), S. Pilaszewicz (Editor), W. Tyloch (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521256461 | ISBN-13: 978-0521256469 | Publication Date: December 27, 1985

Although African literatures in English and French are widely known outside Africa, those in the African languages themselves have not received comparable attention. In this book a number have been selected for survey by fourteen specialist writers, providing the reader with an introduction to this very wide field and a body of reference material which includes extensive bibliographies and biographical information on African authors. Theoretical issues such as genre divisions are discussed in the essays and the historical, social and political forces at work in the creation and reception of African literature are examined. Literature is treated as an art whose medium is language, so that both the oral and written forms are encompassed. This book will be of value not only to readers concerned with the cultures of Africa but to all those with an interest in the literary phenomena of the world in general.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Traces the historical, social and political forces at work in the creation and reception of African literature in addition to providing the reader with a descriptive analysis of the literature in a major African language. Will be of interest to all readers concerned with literature in which Western influence is marginal or non-existent. -- Book Description

Book Description

Although African literatures in English and French are widely known outside Africa, those in the African languages themselves have not received comparable attention. In this book a number have been selected for survey by fourteen specialist writers, providing the reader with an introduction to this very wide field and a body of reference material which includes extensive bibliographies and biographical information on African authors.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 672 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (December 27, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521256461
• ISBN-13: 978-0521256469
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,404,268 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)