Customer Reviews

Muntu: African Culture and the Western World

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This was a text book for a class I took at Antioch College in about 1972. I was studying African American music, poetry and dance from the avant garde jazz pianist Cecil Taylor. At that time he was at the college for one year. He assembled a jazz ensemble and taught a "black panther" of jazz philosopy. This book is a highly academic examination comparing and contrasting European and African culture.Chapters include the and the underpinnings of belief and experience that directly leads to the understandings and misunderstanding of black culture in within the white society. Recently, I took on the management of an African American singer songwriter, Gwen Avery, she was thrilled to read and understand the source of her work. During an interview for an African American magazine,"Arise". I mentioned the book and the memory caused me to order it and give it as a gift to the editors. Cecil Taylor is one of the worlds greatest minds and talents, and his gift at understanding the innovative power of the African culture lead me to a deeper understanding and appreciation of this most vibrant light of our century. The intensity of black culture, particulary in America, can be seen in the full light of the philosophy that drives the spearhead of our culture. Any one who was glued to the set during the PBS Jazz series, should read and study this text.

I was introduced to this book by Fred Smith, a TA in a Black Studies English class at Berkeley in 1970. It remains one of the cherished treasures in my library. A milestone in my self-discovery and emotional development.

Ra Un Nefer Amen (author of the Metu Neter Vol 1 & 2) recommened this book and now I can see why. A stunning discourse on the unity of african life. A must read.