Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali (Revised Edition) (Longman African Writers) [Paperback]

D T Niane (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1405849428 | ISBN-13: 978-1405849425 | Publication Date: August 17, 2006 | Edition: Revised Edition

This is a revision of Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali,  a best seller for 30 years. 

Retold by griots, the guardians of African Culture, this oral tradition has been handed down from the thirteenth century and captures all the mystery and majesty of medieval African kingship. It is the epic tale, based on an actual figure, of Sundiata (Sunjata). Part history and part legend, it tells how Sundiata fulfilled the prophesies that he would unite the twelve kingdoms of Mali into a powerful empire.

This Revised Edition includes background information which provides a geographical, religious, social, and political context for the story. A ‘who’s who of characters’ and ‘a glossary of places’ will enhance the reader’s experience.

 

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Born in Guinea, author and playwright Djibril Tamsir Niane is a descendant of griots – African oral historians/storytellers.  He translated Sundiata, as told by the griot Djeli Mamadou Kouyate, into French under the title Soundjata ou Epoque Mandiginue in 1960.  It was later translated into English by G. D. Pickett in 1965.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Longman; Revised Edition edition (August 17, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1405849428
• ISBN-13: 978-1405849425
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 7 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,956 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > History > Africa > Mali
  • #44 in Books > Literature & Fiction > History & Criticism

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on pre-colonial Africa!, January 19, 2012

By 

Vicky in Omaha (Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.A) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali (Revised Edition) (Longman African Writers) (Paperback)

This book is a MUST-READ if you're interested in the WAY Pre-colonial Africa functioned! It's an excellent example of African History being passed down thru Oral Traditions (with the aid of courtiers called "Griots"), especially West African History. It's a GREAT book on the history of the Mali Empire, and the various kings that ruled. Its preface explains how Europeans have looked down upon Africa's Oral history for a long time, but that view is thankfully starting to change. It's also a small book (in size) and would not take long to finish. I LOVED it!!!

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Five stars for the original edition, October 30, 2011

By 

Stephen Ferg (Arlington, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali (Revised Edition) (Longman African Writers) (Paperback)

For reviews of this book, look at the (8 out of 8) five-star reviews of the earlier edition.
Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali , Longman African Writers Series

The publisher says that this edition (the revised edition) "includes background information which provides a geographical, religious, social, and political context for the story".